Tip Sheffield United - Arsenal

Prediction published on 25/06/2020  by James | Modified on 25/06/2020 at 06:02

Sheffield United host Arsenal in an FA Cup quarter-final this Sunday with both clubs suffering terrible bouts of form. Yet to play their midweek Premier League game at Southampton, Arsenal, who have won three of the last six FA Cups, are 11th in the table after losing two games in succession. Sheffield United are faring slightly better, four points ahead in eighth place, but are slipping down the table after picking up one point from the last nine available. The Blades were thoroughly outclassed by Manchester United in a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Wednesday, not registering an attack of note. It was their second 3-0 defeat in a row after also losing by that scoreline to Newcastle. It appears as though they are suffering the consequences of a cruel twist of fate that befell them upon their return to Premier League action following the restart. Goalline technology inexplicably failed to award them a clear goal in what ended up being a goalless draw with Aston Villa. It means that the Blades haven't found the back of the net in three games. Attacking has never been their strong suit (now averaging less than one goal per game in the league) but Chris Wilder will be concerned about how the defensive solidity which has defined their season has fallen apart over the last week.

The glut of goals that Sheffield United let in this week has seen them slip down the goals-against table, but they're still well ahead of Arsenal, who have conceded ten goals more (41) despite playing a game less. The Gunners have more quality in attack but have come up short against teams with a superior tactical set-up on a number of occasions this season, including the Blades. Sheffield United are unbeaten against Arsenal this season after beating them at home and drawing with them away in the league. Arsenal have been absolutely woeful away from home this season, winning two of 15 league matches. While Sheffield United have been poor of late, they at least have a default set-up to try to recover. Arsenal, meanwhile, are still a work in progress under Mikel Arteta, who is trying to figure out his best team. Ignore Arsenal's recent FA Cup successes and back the Blades.