ARSENAL will be desperate to pick up where they left off before the international break when their Premier League campaign gets back underway with a trip to Sheffield United.
But the Gunners will know they face a stern examination of their top-four credentials after watching the Blades come within a whisker of stunning Liverpool in their last game at Bramall Lane.
Only a goalkeeping error from Dean Henderson stopped Sheffield United from becoming the first English side to take something from the European champions this season as the Reds eked out a 1-0 win.
Arsenal haven't lost since their own defeat to the Anfield side back in August, winning five of their last eight games in all competitions and drawing the other three.
That suggests Unai Emery's side are starting to get their act together, although the Gunners still look suspect at the back, keeping just one clean sheet in their last seven league games.
With £25 million summer signing Kieran Tierney nearing full fitness and fellow full-back Hector Bellerin also hot on the comeback trail, Arsenal should get a bit more solid at the back.
It will be interesting to see if either Tierney, Bellerin or both get the nod to start, having had the international break to further boost their fitness.
Arsenal have a terrible record in Sheffield, winning just once in the last 11 visits to the Steel City, but I fancy them to get some joy this time.
Sheffield United have struggled for goals at home in the Premier League, netting just twice in four games, and drew a blank at Watford in their last game before the international break.
They also have injury doubts over three strikers, Oli McBurnie, Callum Robinson and David McGoldrick, so if Arsenal are going to keep a clean sheet in any game it might be this one and it's priced at 2/1 by Bet365. Doubling that with a Gunners win boosts the odds to 14/5 with BetVictor.
Only two of the six games at Bramall Lane in all competitions this season have seen over 2.5 goals so that's why under 2.5 strikes is a best 123/100 with Marathonbet. But I wouldn't bank on that paying off as Arsenal have the firepower to grab a few goals if they're on top of their game.
Instead, back most goals to come in the second period, which has come up for every Sheffield United home game in the Premier League so far. Marathonbet are offering 111/100 on the second half being the highest scoring half and that looks great value based on the stats.
Alexandre Lacazette is closing in on a return for Arsenal after injury but it looks like the Frenchman will get a place on the bench at best. As always, Pierre-Emerick Aubayemang carries the greatest goal threat for the Gunners but he's just evens with most firms for anytime scorer and a best 7/2 with Paddy Power to break the deadlock.
If you're looking for a bonkers long-odds option then you could do a lot worse than check out this requested bet at William Hill. They are offering 375/1 on Aubameyang scoring first in an Arsenal win with each team winning over three corners in each half. The corners will probably scupper that more than anything else but it might be worth a tentative £1 or 50p punt at such outlandish odds.
I can see this game being quite fiery with a packed Bramall Lane roaring the Blades on under the floodlights so there could be a few bookings. William Hill are offering 18/5 on each team getting at least one card in each half and that seems decent value.
This English Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal will be played on and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sheffield United vs Arsenal prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
Sheffield United vs Arsenal Betting Tips & Predictions
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