Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side will be looking to continue where they left off after their 2-0 win against Southampton as they travel to Bramall Lane to face fellow Premier League side Sheffield United in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter final.
The Gunners will be looking to reach their fourth FA Cup semi-final in the last six seasons, whilst their opponents will be hoping to win their first FA Cup since they last did so 95 years ago.
Similar to Arsenal, Sheffield United have started poorly since the restart, losing two of their three games, with performances far from the standard they set before the break. The Blades are yet to score since the Premier League resumed, however, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was in high praise of his opponents in his press conference.
Arteta said: “[I like] the clarity of the idea of how they play and how they approach football games. Very clear plans, very clear things, very clear patterns and roles. They did really well last year and this season as well, look where they are.”
With Arsenal’s exit from the Europa League in February, the FA Cup is now Arsenal’s only chance of silverware in a season that has been bitterly disappointing. Sitting 9th in the Premier League, one place behind Sheffield United, Arsenal are destined for their worst finish in the Premier League era since they ended the 1994/95 season in 12th.
Despite Arsenal’s poor season, Blades manager Chris Wilder is still full of respect for his opposition, saying that Arsenal are still one of the biggest clubs in England. Wilder said: “You can never not say Arsenal are not a powerful football club in the Premier League.
“They have been in the division all the way through, won things. They are going through a stage like everybody does. A quarter-final of a major cup competition at home to Arsenal is one of the games a player should really be looking forward to.”
The FA Cup clash, which kicks off at 1pm BST, will be broadcast on BT Sport for UK viewers.