Jorginho dropped- Surprise start for 23 years old star- Expected Arsenal lineup(4-2-3-1) against Sheffield United revealed

Jorginho dropped- Surprise start for 23 years old star- Expected Arsenal lineup(4-2-3-1) against Sheffield United revealed

PREDICTED ARSENAL LINE-UP VS SHEFFIELD UNITED, SMITH ROWE STARTS
Ed Davison | 4 March 2024 | Arsenal, Arsenal News | No Comments

Arsenal will be eyeing a seventh consecutive Premier League win when they face struggling Sheffield United at Bramall Lane tonight.

The Gunners have been in sparkling form in the league since the turn of the year with 25 goals and just three conceded in the same period.

They have the opportunity to move within two points off leaders Liverpool with another victory.

Ahead of the game, we anticipate at least one change with Jorginho dropping out of the XI.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya has been a consistent starter in goal over the past six months and has been absent for just five outings. The Spaniard is expected to continue between the sticks. He will be eyeing his ninth clean sheet of the league campaign to move in front in the Golden Glove race.

In defence, no changes are on the cards. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu have been nursing injuries in recent weeks and may not be risked from the starting XI if fit. Jakub Kiwior has done a fantastic job as a deputy at left-back and should keep his position.

Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are assured starters in the Gunners’ back four. Gabriel created yet another goal against Newcastle with his presence in the box. Him and Saliba have formed the meanest defence in the league with consistent performances.

Jorginho delivered yet another man of the match display versus Eddie Howe’s side, but we won’t be surprised if he is dropped to the bench. The Italian’s minutes could be carefully managed at the current phase of his career, considering he recently had a foot issue.

Against the Blades, Mikel Arteta could do with more creativity. We anticipate Emile Smith Rowe to get another rare start alongside Declan Rice in the centre of the park. The 23-year-old started in the reverse fixture where he provided an assist in a convincing 5-0 win.

Further forward, we don’t predict any changes. Bukayo Saka has been in the form of his life with seven goals in his last five league games. Gabriel Martinelli bagged a deserved assist versus the Magpies and should have had another early in the second half.

Kai Havertz’s physicality could be utilised up front against the Blades. He has three goal contributions in his last two league games and should have had another. The German squandered a clear-cut scoring chance versus Newcastle. He is likely to lead the line ahead of Gabriel Jesus, who has just returned from a knee injury.

How Arsenal could line up vs Sheffield United

David Raya

Kiwior Gabriel Saliba White

Rice Smith

Martinelli Odegard Saka

Havertz