There hasn't been much positive news on that front for the Blades in recent times but the return of George Baldock to training is a real boost to a squad badly in need of positives at the minute. Jayden Bogle has performed admirably in his absence but Baldock's combative qualities could offer United an extra dimension as they look to kickstart their season, and he has shown throughout his time at the Blades that he can cope against some of the league's best widemen. Oli McBurnie underwent a scan on his injured groin today, and is a doubt for Arsenal having not trained since the weekend, while Will Osula and Max Lowe are getting "closer" but are still not available. Daniel Jebbison is also still out with his health issue.There hasn't been much positive news on that front for the Blades in recent times but the return of George Baldock to training is a real boost to a squad badly in need of positives at the minute. Jayden Bogle has performed admirably in his absence but Baldock's combative qualities could offer United an extra dimension as they look to kickstart their season, and he has shown throughout his time at the Blades that he can cope against some of the league's best widemen. Oli McBurnie underwent a scan on his injured groin today, and is a doubt for Arsenal having not trained since the weekend, while Will Osula and Max Lowe are getting "closer" but are still not available. Daniel Jebbison is also still out with his health issue.
There hasn't been much positive news on that front for the Blades in recent times but the return of George Baldock to training is a real boost to a squad badly in need of positives at the minute. Jayden Bogle has performed admirably in his absence but Baldock's combative qualities could offer United an extra dimension as they look to kickstart their season, and he has shown throughout his time at the Blades that he can cope against some of the league's best widemen. Oli McBurnie underwent a scan on his injured groin today, and is a doubt for Arsenal having not trained since the weekend, while Will Osula and Max Lowe are getting "closer" but are still not available. Daniel Jebbison is also still out with his health issue.

Another tactical tweak and Auston Trusty’s big chance for Sheffield United ahead of Arsenal trip - gallery

Danny Hall
By Danny Hall
Published 26th Oct 2023, 16:48 BST

Sheffield United are hoping that a big performance at Arsenal can turn their season around this weekend as they prepare for a test that their manager believes is as big as any they will face in the Premier League this season.

The Blades will be long odds to get their first win of the season away at the Emirates, with the Gunners looking to run Manchester City close in the race for the title again, but these are not the games that will dictate United’s Premier League survival and they will be looking to continue the positive momentum they built up last weekend at home to Manchester United.

Boss Paul Heckingbottom faced the media earlier today to preview the clash, with injuries, more tactical switches and Auston Trusty’s return to north London amongst the big talking points to emerge ahead of Saturday’s clash...

A young man as impressive in front of reporters as he has been on the pitch so far, it was evident that Trusty was looking forward to his first Premier League experience of the Emirates this weekend - but is only focusing on his current employers, rather than his old ones. “I’m excited to go back, but it’s really cool that I’m going there and playing and doing my thing,” he admitted. “I’m looking forward to it but my mindset is on getting a result. I can say hi to everyone afterwards but I’m going there for this team and focusing on getting a result.”

5. Trusty's excitement

A young man as impressive in front of reporters as he has been on the pitch so far, it was evident that Trusty was looking forward to his first Premier League experience of the Emirates this weekend - but is only focusing on his current employers, rather than his old ones. “I’m excited to go back, but it’s really cool that I’m going there and playing and doing my thing,” he admitted. “I’m looking forward to it but my mindset is on getting a result. I can say hi to everyone afterwards but I’m going there for this team and focusing on getting a result.”

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The loss of Anel Ahmedhodzic over the international break forced United to change shape to a back four, something Heckingbottom says he was contemplating anyway as a means of getting more attacking personnel on the pitch. The Blades have used this week to work on "something different in front of the back four," Heckingbottom revealed. "It's important that we do that. One of the things we were very good at, even at the start of the season, we were still getting our wing-backs where we wanted them but we weren't getting the productivity to create chances. So we're trying to have different people in those positions and areas. So we've worked a lot on that this week."

6. Shape of S-U

The loss of Anel Ahmedhodzic over the international break forced United to change shape to a back four, something Heckingbottom says he was contemplating anyway as a means of getting more attacking personnel on the pitch. The Blades have used this week to work on "something different in front of the back four," Heckingbottom revealed. "It's important that we do that. One of the things we were very good at, even at the start of the season, we were still getting our wing-backs where we wanted them but we weren't getting the productivity to create chances. So we're trying to have different people in those positions and areas. So we've worked a lot on that this week."

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It may have ended with an all-too familiar defeat but there seemed to be a different feeling about the Man U game last weekend, with the Blades looking more like themselves with a display featuring more intensity than the damp squibs that had come in the weeks before. "Overall we were sad not to come away with at least a point," insisted defender Trusty. "But from an overall point of view, we saw a spark and it's something we can build on. We're upset not to get a point but we're pleased things are starting to move and we have momentum to build on now."

7. 'Something to build on'

It may have ended with an all-too familiar defeat but there seemed to be a different feeling about the Man U game last weekend, with the Blades looking more like themselves with a display featuring more intensity than the damp squibs that had come in the weeks before. "Overall we were sad not to come away with at least a point," insisted defender Trusty. "But from an overall point of view, we saw a spark and it's something we can build on. We're upset not to get a point but we're pleased things are starting to move and we have momentum to build on now."

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Arsenal are not the first big Premier League side the Blades have locked horns with this season and their defeats to Spurs, Man City and Man United all came by a single goal. On another day United could have taken five points rather than none and Heckingbottom was asked if his side can take heart from those performances. "Yeah, but I'd take a worse performance than all those and points," he admitted, focusing on the points over plaudits mantra that will ultimately decide his side's Premier League fate. "I'd take a poor refereeing decision for us or a mistake from the opposition. In the short term we're fighting for points. it won't change our approach, but I'd take any of those things to get the points."

8. Taking heart

Arsenal are not the first big Premier League side the Blades have locked horns with this season and their defeats to Spurs, Man City and Man United all came by a single goal. On another day United could have taken five points rather than none and Heckingbottom was asked if his side can take heart from those performances. "Yeah, but I'd take a worse performance than all those and points," he admitted, focusing on the points over plaudits mantra that will ultimately decide his side's Premier League fate. "I'd take a poor refereeing decision for us or a mistake from the opposition. In the short term we're fighting for points. it won't change our approach, but I'd take any of those things to get the points."

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