Sheffield United have been in superb form all throughout this season in the Premier League but they have won just one out of their last four league matches.
And next up they take on Arsenal at the Emirates with many pundits putting their best on the Blades returning back home with all three points.
While their performances against the big sides have been truly commendable up until now but according to Charlie Nicholas, fatigue and congestion of games during the festive period have really taken a toll on Sheffield United which is why Arsenal should come out as the winners of this encounter.
Nicholas wrote for Sky Sports: “Sheffield United may have been drained from going to Manchester City and Liverpool over the festive period, which is no surprise.
“They got lucky against West Ham last week, and there was not a comfort zone there where they looked natural and could squeeze the game. They can go and squeeze Arsenal as they take a risk at the back. If they can get at them for 20-25, they might just start to give them doubt.
“Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is out and quite rightly, so, there is no debate about that, but Arsenal can adjust.
“They need more from Nicolas Pepe, but Alexandre Lacazette can turn it around for them and Mikel Arteta can ask him to be in the penalty box more. It was only a draw at Crystal Palace, but they should have had the game won in the first 45 minutes.
“Arsenal are only seven points above the drop zone, and I do not see that materialising but they are closer to that than they are to Chelsea.
“I will go for an Arsenal win, but it will take them some time to break Sheffield United down.”
Sheffield United are currently sixth on the Premier League table while Arsenal are 10th meaning a lot’s at stake on this match for both the clubs.
If the Blades manage an upset then they will inch even closer to the top-four and could finish the weekend on the fifth spot given that Man United take on Liverpool on Sunday.
On the other hand, Arsenal could closer to the relegation zone as compared to the top-four if they fail to beat Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United.
