Mark Lawrenson reveals why he's backing Sheffield United for a SHOCK win over Arsenal this weekend

Casting his weekly prediction for BBC Sport, Mark Lawrenson, who had previously backed United to win just 14% of their matches this season, has this time gone for a shock 2-1 away win for Chris Wilder's side.

Explaining his prediction, the sports broadcaster wrote: "Sheffield United got a good win over West Ham last week, while Arsenal drew at Crystal Palace.

"The Gunners will be without suspended striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Saturday after his red card at Selhurst Park - and it was definitely a red - which is a big blow for them. We know how good Sheffield United are on the road, and they give everyone a game - full-stop.

"The Blades have lost their past two away games, against Manchester City and Liverpool, but they were unlucky to end up empty-handed. Chris Wilder's side showed against the Hammers that they can get over the line without playing well, which is another reason I'm backing them to spring a bit of a surprise here.”

A win for United could see them move as high as fifth in the table, as their astonishing 2019/20 campaign continues to confound fans and pundits alike.

In his pre-match press conference, Wilder referenced the club's lofty standing in the division, and said: "It's nice to be sat so high in the table after Christmas. We want to look up. we don't want to look down. We don't just want to be staying up. We want to be as high up the table as we can.

"I don't think a lot of people would have put us as high as we are, but it's a nice feeling and we want to stay up there."