Chris Sutton expects Arsenal to secure a comfortable 3-0 win against Sheffield United
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday when Sheffield United visit Emirates Stadium and the Gunners will be looking to return to winning ways after dropping points in their 2-2 draw against Chelsea last weekend.
The Blades are without a win in the 2023-24 league campaign so far, with just one draw to their name in nine games.
Sheffield Utd manager Paul Heckingbottom will be desperate to finally get his side’s first league win tomorrow given that his job is on the line right now, but doing so against an Arsenal side yet to lose a Premier League game this term will be tricky.
Chris Sutton expects the North London club to stroll to a comfortable victory, predicting a 3-0 win for them in his BBC column.
“Sheffield United have one point from their first nine games, and with a quarter of the season gone, they are basically relegated,” the pundit said.
“Aren’t they? Things look desperate for the Blades already and you do wonder how they can shape up to try to stop Arsenal.
“We already know that is what they will do – just hang in there and be resilient, and hopefully nick something, but I don’t see it working out for them at the Emirates.
“Arsenal’s main worry ahead of this game is their schedule and their squad, because the games are coming thick and fast for them at the moment, but I think they will be pretty comfortable here.
“I am still not sure about Gunners boss Mikel Arteta sticking with David Raya over Aaron Ramsdale in goal, but that situation is unlikely to affect how this game goes.”
Arsenal could be without Brazil international striker Jesus Gabriel after he was withdrawn due to a suspected hamstring issue in the closing stages of their Champions League group game against Sevilla on Tuesday.
The former Manchester City star assisted and scored in the 2-1 win in Seville, and while being without him tomorrow will unlikely stop them from winning, manager Mikel Arteta will be worried about not having him available for subsequent games.
The Gunners have Eddie Nketiah available to lead their line in Jesus’ absence, while Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz can also play as a number 9.
Victory is almost certain for Arsenal tomorrow as they are huge favourites on paper, but the Blades will be eager to spring a surprise, and the hosts need to be on top of their game to avoid a shock.
