Sheffield United vs Arsenal Prediction and Betting Tips: Back Gabriel to open the scoring

Monday Night Football comes live from Bramall Lane where Sheffield United take on Arsenal. Jimmy The Punt previews the action and provides us with his best bets. 

Sheffield United prop up the division, fewest points (13), most goals conceded (66), fewest scored (22), joint least wins (3) and joint most defeats (19). The Blades are 11 points adrift, 1/25 on to go down and next up is the division's inform side. 

There couldn’t have been a worse time to face Arsenal.    

The Gunners may be two points off the title pace but are yet to drop a point this year, that is six games, 18 points and 25 goals scored. 

Unspiringingly, the hosts are 18/1 to beat Mikel Arteta’s side on Monday. There is some positive news for Chris Wilder as George Baldock and Ben Brereton Diaz rejoined training this week. 

As for the visitors, Thomas Partey could be in the squad after recently returning to training. Arteta is also hopeful that Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu could return with the pair nursing calf strains. 

Gabriel Jesus was an unused substitute last weekend but was allegedly fit enough to start and could do so at Bramall Lane. 

Backing the asian goals line over the others available appeals due to the slightly better odds. 

The bet itself won’t make for comfortable viewing but I think it is the play. 

Yes, Arsenal have been in imperious form scoring 17 without conceding in trips to Selhurst Park, Turf Moor and West Ham but with Brentford at the weekend and a crucial Champions League return leg against Porto all within a week of this trip to Bramall Lane, Arteta may rotate here. 

Under Wilder, the Blades have been surprisingly competitive against the title contenders losing 2-0 at home to Liverpool and via the same score at the Etihad. 

Arsenal are undoubtedly the best side in the division from set pieces. The 18 goals they have scored from them is only rivalled by Everton who have 15. 

They face Sheffield United, who have conceded 122 shots (2nd) from dead ball situations. 

The hosts have improved at defending set pieces as the season has progressed but if they are without Oli McBurnie on Monday, it severely weakens their presences in both boxes. 

At 25/1 Magalhaes Gabriel looks great value to net first as he did against Crystal Palace. 

The Brazilian defender has netted four times this season, all of which have come since December 23rd.

Best of luck if you are backing any of these selections and please remember to gamble responsibly