Auba-less Arsenal host Sheffield
Arsenal welcome newcomers Sheffield United to the Emirates on Saturday in what will definitely be a real test for both sides. The Gunners will be looking to build on improved, and impressive displays whilst the Blades will be aiming to avoid defeat for a third consecutive away day.
Arsenal
The Arteta-renaissance is, at the moment, in full flight leading to the Gunners actually looking like they deserve the accolade of being a "top-six" team (which is obviously more to due with size and wealth rather than form).
Arsenal are coming off the back of a derby draw away at Crystal Palace which, with a little extra fortune, would have ended in a victory had it not been for a couple of amazing saves from CP stopper Guaita in the last ten minutes.
The Arteta effect
Since the Spaniard's arrival (the new one) the Gunners have really shored up their defence having "only" conceded 4 goals in their 5 games since his appointment which is a feat in itself. Players like David Luiz and Sokratis have actually started to look like proper, top-class centre-halves that know what they are doing. However, the biggest improvement, by far, has been Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
AMN
The makeshift right-back absolutely pocketed Rashford a fortnight ago and did the exact same against Zaha last weekend. The mercurial Zaha did not succeed in getting passed AMN a single time, not a single successful dribble. This is a player that prior to Arteta's arrival publicly expressed his ire and discomfort at right-back; he also proved it through a few dodgy performances.
If this is not testament to how good Arteta has been for Arsenal i don't know what is.
Sheffield United
Those of you that have been following my tips since the start of the season will know that i have, on a number of occasions, ranted about how Sheffield and their squad are, nicely put, not Premier League standard.
I am the first one to acknowledge how wrong i was. Which is a tad bit infuriating because they really should not be this good.
Europa League spot
All jokes aside, Chris Wilder and co. can be found at 6th, only two points behind Manchester United and seven behind 4th placed Chelsea which is beyond impressive this far into the season.
Emphasis on defence
A rock-solid defence has been their memo, refusing opposition any entry into their penalty area whatsoever which has worked a charm against all except Manchester City and Liverpool which is very understandable.
The Blades have only conceded eleven times in eleven away-days which includes trips to Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool. They are draw-specialists away from home having racked up six of them and will be hoping they can smother this rejuvenated Arsenal side and travel back to Sheffield with a seventh. This is far from improbable due to the home sides absence of Aubameyang.
Betting tip
Given that both sides are currently defensively sound and have issues up top i will be backing Under 2.5 goals at 83/100 with Betway.
