[kennethlindheim]

Arsenal could be given a helping hand in their bid to make it three wins out of three over the festive period as Neil Warnock is pondering fielding a weakened side when Sheffield United entertain The Gunners on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1.

The Blades must travel to Middlesbrough on New Year's Day for a game that could have a significant impact at the bottom of the table, and as such Warnock may choose to rest some of his key men against Arsene Wenger's third-placed side.

The odds are already stacked firmly in Arsenal's favour after embarking on a seven-match unbeaten run, with the Christmas period bringing a thumping 6-2 win over Blackburn and a narrow 2-1 defeat of Watford.

In contrast, United have lost 3-1 to Portsmouth and 1-0 to Manchester City to end their brief resurgence in form, and Warnock's men will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 3-0 defeat that accompanied their visit to Emirates Stadium earlier in the season.

However, as well as possibly resting a number of players, Warnock has injury concerns over seven members of his squad, with Danny Webber, Michael Tonge, Keith Gillespie and Claude Davis all suffering from a viral infection.

Also of concern is the possible absence of captain Phil Jagielka, although his ankle injury is rated as less serious than Stephen Quinn's who will miss the visit of the Londoners.

Derek Geary is also suffering from a dead leg picked up in the defeat to Manchester City as The Blades look to increase their two-point advantage over 18th placed West Ham.

Arsenal still have their sights set on chasing down Chelsea and Manchester United, and only a win will do if they are to have any chance of closing the ten-point gap on the second-placed Blues.

Wenger will again have to do without experienced trio Thierry Henry (sciatic nerve), William Gallas (thigh) and Freddie Ljungberg (hamstring).

In-form Togo star Emmanuel Adebayor has joined the injured list after picking up a thigh injury against Watford, meaning Jeremie Aliadiere or Julio Baptista could be in line for a rare start.

Johan Djourou is a doubt with a hamstring problem sustained in the same game so Swiss compatriot Philippe Senderos could fill in again, whilst Lauren could return to the squad following a year on the sidelines as Emmanuel Eboue is still struggling with an ankle problem.

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