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Predicted Arsenal line-up vs Sheffield United, Zinchenko starts

Arsenal will be eyeing back-to-back wins when they host Sheffield United in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Gunners have had a fine start to the top-flight campaign with 21 points from nine games.

They were far from their best against Chelsea last weekend but showed character to secure a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

The club are presently five points adrift of leaders Tottenham Hotspur and have a brilliant opportunity to reduce the deficit today.

We could see more than one change to the starting XI from manager Mikel Arteta.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya was far from convincing against the Blues last weekend. He misjudged the flight of Mykhailo Mudryk’s cross which found its way into the back of the net.

He also gifted an opportunity to Cole Palmer with a poor pass but made amends for his error. Against Sevilla, he had a similar moment but the defence saved his blushes.

Raya needs an improvement against the Blades or there could be questions over his goalkeeping role. Aaron Ramsdale will be pushing the manager for a starting spot.

In defence, we anticipate one change from the midweek win over Sevilla on the road.

Arteta should go with a more offensive mindset against the Blades. Oleksandr Zinchenko should return at left-back ahead of Takehiro Tomiyasu despite his top showing in midweek.

Similarly, we fancy Jorginho to drop to the bench for the reintroduction of Kai Havertz in midfield.

This would obviously mean Declan Rice shifting to the number six role, having played in a more creative position over the past few games for the north London giants.

In the final third, there will be an enforced change with Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Arteta has a choice between Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah for the striker’s position and we would personally prefer the former to start due to his versatility in attack.

Trossard has interchanged positions with Gabriel Martinelli when required. The Belgian has been more effective off the bench in the league and now has the chance to prove himself from the XI.

The rest of the attack should stay the same. Bukayo Saka is a nailed-on starter and the same is the case with captain Martin Odegaard despite his struggles over the past two outings.

How Arsenal could line up vs Sheffield United

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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