Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United believe they can get a victory over Arsenal with the help of the clubs’ fans.
The Blades host the Gunners at Bramall Lane on Monday night, just a few weeks after giving league leaders Liverpool a tough time on the same ground.
Despite losing that clash, Wilder feels the hostility of their home stadium could prove too much for the visiting Arsenal, and says his team are up for the task.
“We’re competitive and we fancy our chances,” Wilder told Sky Sports. “We’re bullish as you can obviously imagine because that’s the approach that we take and how we were [in a 1-0 loss] against Liverpool.
“The crowd have been absolutely amazing at home, because they know how important it is for them to be on the front foot and make it hostile, noisy.
(Image: REUTERS)
“The last manager who came here [Jurgen Klopp] commented on it as well, which was a real pat on the back for the way our ground is set up and the atmosphere that’s inside it.
“We’ll need it Monday night and I’m sure that will happen. A night game at Bramall Lane under the lights, it’s something we’re really looking forward to and getting after the opposition, but understanding the quality they’ve got.”
Arsenal come into the match third in the table, unbeaten in their last eight competitive fixtures, and having lost just once all season.
Sheffield Utd meanwhile have just the three points they collected in their first match of the season on home soil to show for their work at Bramall Lane.
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
However if their performance against Liverpool is anything to go by, Arsenal could be in for a difficult evening.
Only a Dean Henderson mistake, allowing Georginio Wijnaldum’s shot to slip between his legs, earned Liverpool the points, and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp commended their opponents after the match.
“[Sheffield United were] fighting,” said the German. “A complete fighting unit to play against and they were really, ready for us to be honest.”
A win could see the Blades leap into the top half if other results go their way, while Arsenal are looking to keep pace with both Liverpool and Man City.
