Arsenal will be aiming to build a winning momentum when they take on Sheffield United on Sunday, in the FA Cup quarterfinal. The Gunners are coming on the back of a 2-0 victory over Southampton on Thursday. They will be full of confidence coming up against a Sheffield side, who were humiliated in a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United this midweek.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup Vs Sheffield United
Defence
Mikel Arteta was dealt with a fresh injury blow on Thursday when Kieran Tierney was forced to come off due to a cramp. He is more than expected to be ruled out for this fixture, paving the way for Sead Kolasinac to assume his role at left-back.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles could also be introduced in the starting lineup, with Arteta keeping one eye on the crucial Premier League fixture against Norwich next midweek. He could start on the opposite flank, at the expense of Hector Bellerin.
In central defence, Arsenal could be boosted by the return of David Luiz. The Brazilian should be back after serving a two-match suspension. He has recently signed a one-year extension with the club as well – one that wasn’t well-received by the fans.
But either way, he and Shkodran Mustafi could form the heart of Arsenal’s four-man backline, with Holding likely to be given a breather. Arteta does have options in Sokratis, but his fitness level is questionable while Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers are still out injured.
And finally, Emiliano Martinez should retain his place in goal as he continues to deputies for the injured Bernd Leno.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka is more than expected to receive a breather following a hard-working display against Southampton. The Swiss international could make way for Matteo Guendouzi.
Joe Willock made an immediate impact against Southampton and could be rewarded with a start this time around, replacing Dani Ceballos in central midfield. He and Guendouzi are likely to operate in the double-pivot.
Attack
Mesut Ozil might once again have to settle for a place on the bench, especially in this knockout fixture. But elsewhere in the attack, Eddie Nketiah could be rewarded for his midweek performance with a starting berth against Sheffield United.
The youngster could be deployed alongside Alexandre Lacazette with Reiss Nelson and Bukayo Saka operating in the wider attacking department. That means the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be rested for the game against Norwich next week.
