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Torreira out, Martinelli to start? Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal XI to face Sheffield United

Arsenal prediction: Probable Gunners XI to face Sheffield United

Arsenal host Premier League’s surprise package Sheffield United at Emirates as they aim for three points on Saturday.

The Gunners need to be at their best against the side which has 8 clean sheets this term. They would be heading into the games on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace and will have to continue with the momentum they received from the short success at the beginning of the year.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (Getty Images)
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (Getty Images)

However, Mikel Arteta would be wary of the Blades, who have come up well against all odds. He would be hoping to guide the team to a win and boost their confidence.

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While right-back Calum Chambers is expected to be out until the end of the season, Scotsman Kieran Tierney’s return from a shoulder injury is unknown.

Hector Bellerin will be another absentee for this fixture whereas, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is suspended following the marching orders he received against the Eagles in the last outing.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is suspended for the games against Sheffield United (Getty Images)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is suspended for the games against Sheffield United (Getty Images)

Probable Arsenal XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Bernd Leno (GK)

It hasn’t been a great season for Leno as he has kept just 4 clean sheets so far. He was unfortunate to concede against Palace. Nonetheless, he is the first-choice and will start.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RB)

Chambers’ injury has been helped him with opportunities in the past few weeks. He is an undoubted starter after some brilliant performances of late.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos (CB)

The 31-year-old has shown signs of improvement since Arteta took over at the club. However, he will have to cope well with the threat of David McGoldrick and Oli McBurnie.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Getty Images)
Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Getty Images)

David Luiz (CB)

The Brazilian needs to be on top of his game and help the team with a clean sheet. He has to marshal the defence line with much more authority.

Sead Kolasinac (LCB)

Though he has been troubled with injuries, Kolasinac will keep his place at left-back ahead of Bukayo Saka.

Matteo Guendouzi (CDM)

With Torreira injured, Guendouzi would be handed another opportunity to bring stability in the middle of the park. He would be hoping to prove his worth.

Granit Xhaka (CDM)

The Swiss international has been backed by his manager and has played regularly in the last few weeks. He will be key to stop the Blades’ attack and help the team in transition.

Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe in action. (Getty Images)
Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe in action. (Getty Images)

Nicolas Pepe (RW)

The Ivorian has come to the fore at the right time. Arteta would go with him as he provides the Gunners with much fluidity in their attack.

Mesut Ozil (AM)

Ozil has been a revelation under the new manager and the game against Manchester United showed why he should be a regular for the side. His creativity will be much-required to break open Sheffield’s strong backline.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW)

The youngster would start in the absence of Aubameyang and he should be able to contribute heavily in terms of crosses from the left flank.

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Alexandre Lacazette (ST)

The Frenchman has not scored enough this term and he must justify his selection by banging in a goal or two, though it may not be easy against Chris Wilder’s men.

Arsenal prediction