Here’s Nick Ames’s match preview:

One of Arsenal’s repeated failures last season was in neglecting to put away supposedly inferior opponents once their noses were in front. Sheffield United’s last visit to the Emirates, in January, was a case in point; John Fleck scored a just-about-deserved leveller and the hosts’ problems loomed large. They look better now but Mikel Arteta believes Sunday’s opponents have “deserved much more” than three straight defeats. With both squads in a state of suspended animation before the transfer deadline, it could be a cagey afternoon.

Related: Arsenal v Sheffield United: match preview

No Brewster? Sheffield United have confirmed that their new striker was not registered in time for today’s game.

Arsenal XI: Leno; Gabriel, David Luiz, Tierney; Bellerin, Ceballos, Elneny, Saka; Willian, Nketiah, Aubameyang

Subs: Runarsson, Holding, Maitland-Niles, Willock, Xhaka, Pepe, Lacazette

No wins in the opening three fixtures for Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United continues their struggles at the end of last season so the trip to a resurgent Arsenal will not provide much relief.

One of the pre-match questions will be whether Rhian Brewster, who arrived from Liverpool for £23.5m earlier this week, goes straight into the side. The Blades are yet to score so a big-money striker could be just the ticket.

Related: Arsenal v Sheffield United: match preview

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