Without looking too deep, the assumption here is that an Arsenal win is on the cards and the odds of 5/6 would suggest this and many will agree. However, while Sheffield United started the season as one of the early favourites for the drop, they are battling valiantly to relieve themselves of this tag.
In their last three EPL fixtures they have performed very well, gaining a valuable three points away at Everton, going down by a single goal to high-flying Liverpool and taking a point in Vicarage road against Watford.
If we look at that Watford performance in a bit more depth, we can probably breakdown Sheff United’s ability and see how they will fare for the rest of the season.
On pre-match ratings, Sheff Utd were deemed marginally the better side, only giving up home advantage. On the match stats, they fared better on ‘Possession’ and matching the home side on ‘Shot on Target’, although the Expected goals (Xg) figures suggest Watford were a bit unlucky not to take three points that afternoon.
On that basis, the Blades’ manager Chris Wilder will target this home game to pick up some badly-needed points.
Sheffield United will play five across the middle of the park and stay well organised. They’ll also counter attack Unai Emery’s side similar to how they played against Liverpool in that narrow defeat.
Despite not having household names in their squad, the Blades are a good side and enjoyable to watch.
They will make life very difficult for Arsenal.
Similar to the home side, Arsenal haven’t lost a Premier League game this season since being beaten by Liverpool and will fancy their chances.
Unlike the Blades, Arsenal games this season have seen plenty of goals, averaging three so far, while the home sides match average is 1.75 goals a game.
The sides last met in the Premier League 13 years ago, where Sheffield United won 1-0. History could repeat itself on Monday Night Football and here’s four possible outcomes that can see the underdogs put it up to the Premier League’s establishment.
- Sheff United to win 1-0 @ 12/1
- Draw 0-0 @ 11/1
- Under 2.5 goals @ 6/5
- Oliver Norwood to score anytime for the Blades @ 13/2
*Prices correct at time of publishing but are fluid
Have a cut over on PP.com for Sheff Utd v Arsenal on MNF