@ZAPunter provides his betting tips for the English Premier League match between Sheffield United and Arsenal which takes place on Monday 21st October

SHEFFIELD UNITED VS ARSENAL, MONDAY @ 21.00 

Arsenal will be looking to continue their positive run of form when they travel to Sheffield United on Monday night. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 8 competitive matches in all competitions, including their last 5 in the Premier League. The Blades are currently in 15th position and will be hoping to claim their first scalp of the season. Sheffield United have made it very difficult to be beaten at home and will be hoping to frustrate Arsenal, especially with their physicality and work rate. This will also be the first game under the lights at Bramall Lane in the Premier League, so we can expect a raucous atmosphere on Monday night. These are the games Arsenal need to win if they want to finish in the top 4, but this is also the game Sheffield United can cause an upset in and help them survive in the Premier League.

SHEFFIELD UNITED:

So far this season the Blades have recorded 2 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats, Chris Wilder has been satisfied with their performances, but believes his players have the potential to be even better, especially at home. The blades felt that they deserved at least a draw against Liverpool in their last home game, but a big error by their goalkeeper Dean Henderson cost them. Before the international break they played out a goalless draw against Watford away. Their expected goals statistics this season: xGf – 1.26 and xGa – 1.46, compared to their actual goals they should of scored more goals, but conceded more as well. McGoldrick is the only major injury concern for Monday night and likely won’t feature. Fleck and McBurnie will undergo late fitness tests, but should be able to play.

ARSENAL:

Arsenal entered the weekend in 3rd position, however, wins for Chelsea and Leicester on Saturday has the Gunners sitting 5th in the table. Victory on Monday night will see them go back to 3rd position in the table, just one point behind Manchester City. Unai Emery’s side hasn’t been excellent this season and have struggled against so called “long ball” teams, but their current unbeaten run has fans optimistic about the future.  Arsenal’s only defeat so far this season was away against Liverpool, but they now face a difficult schedule, playing 4 matches before November comes around and Emery will need to utilise his squad. The Gunners XG: xGf – 1.63 and xGa – 1.72, their actual goals scored and xGf is exactly the same, but their opposition could of scored more this season. Nelson has been ruled out for Monday night, but we will likely see the return of Lacazette. Tierney and Bellerin might also start their first games this season.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:

Sheffield United: 3-5-2

Henderson,

Basham, Egan, O’Connell,

Baldock, Norwood, Lundstrum, Fleck, Stevens,

McBurnie, Robinson.

Arsenal: 4-2-3-1

Leno,

Chambers, Sokratis, Luiz, Tierney,

Guendouzi, Xhaka,

Pepe, Ceballos, Aubameyang,

Lacazette.

PREDICTION:

I struggled to find a best bet this weekend and only realised we had a Monday night fixture on Friday, but this market immediately caught my attention. Sheffield United has a big win or upset in them from what we saw against Liverpool, they work hard and are not afraid going forward, especially at Brammal Lane. Arsenal always seem to struggle at times against less talented opposition and even more so when the game gets scrappy and physical. The Blades players and fans will be right up for this encounter and I’m sure no one connected with Arsenal is excited travelling to Sheffield on a Monday night. Remember that saying: but can they do it on a cold, rainy night in Stoke? I think the midweek fixtures at Brammal Lane can be compared to that. This is not your traditional market and I considered Sheffield United double chance, but give me the team total market. This selection is not based on statistics, but rather the situation. COME ON YOU BLADES!

BETTING:

BEST BET: Sheffield United Team Total OVER 1 – 1.91 @ BetOlimp

Best Bet Record: 7-1

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change

@ZAPunter