BLADES TO GET SOMETHING, ANYTHING FROM TUESDAY

On the face of Sheffield United's performances this season and the end of last, the picture has looked incredibly bleak for everyone connected to the Blades and to back them in some form on Tuesday, would be considered nothing short of mad.

However, we're in the mood for something interesting this week and with Newcastle making the trip to Bramall Lane in midweek, Chris Wilder may at least feel that his players can get something from their next league outing.

Of course, this is a side that have not won any of their last 20 Premier League matches and with such a barren run still ongoing, the threat of relegation looks like it will quickly become more of a genuine promise.

Then again, all bad runs must end at some point and with Steve Bruce's Newcastle failing to win any of their last five, one wonders if they will have the required firepower to cause more misery for the Blades.

Which means although backing Sheffield United to win on Tuesday, might be a bit of a stretch, the double chance market is one that should be seriously considered and if the league's basement outfit can avoid defeat, the odds of this happening are a rather sensible 1.36.
Summary: Back Sheffield United double chance on Tuesday

UNITED TO GO TOP OF THE TABLE

Even if you took that headline and said it back to yourself, it is not something that could even be imagined as recent as December and with Manchester United currently possessing the longest unbeaten run in the division, it stands to reason that they could claim top spot this week.

Going into their Tuesday night clash with Burnley, they currently have a game in hand over league leaders Liverpool and it is only goal difference which is keeping the defending champions at the top of the ladder.

Which means, just a point is required for the Red Devils to go top in midweek and although one would suffice, three would be far more beneficial. Especially when you consider that United travel to Anfield next Sunday.

A tie that could go some way to defining the destination of where the title ends up in May and if United can take a three-point margin of error to Merseyside, it will at least give them the chance to absorb any negative result.

Of course, now is not the time for negativity and Tuesday's visitors to Turf Moor are showing no signs of that at present and even though Burnley have finally completed their takeover talks, the full effect of this will not be felt in such a short space of time.

The Clarets have been criminally underinvested in the past few years, which only adds to the work that Sean Dyche has done in that time and although funds should eventually filter down to the manager's war chest, it will have no bearing on the outcome come full time.
Summary: Back Manchester United to win and go top at 1.45

ARSENAL MAKE IT FOUR

What a difference a week or so makes and for all the talk that Arsenal were going to be relegation candidates, they are now going about reviving their campaign in the right way, a way that could lead them into Europe next season.

The picture has changed for the better at the Emirates, as Mikel Arteta's men have won their last three league outings and this coming midweek, they will look to make it four in a row, as Crystal Palace make the short trip across London.

The Eagles got the better of Sheffield United in their last outing and start this curtailed round of fixtures three places but one point behind hosts Arsenal and although they looked sharp against the Blades, they may struggle to fire against the Gunners.

With Arsenal's tails currently up and them really finding their stride, there is little reason to suggest that a fourth straight league win cannot be chalked up and if that proves to be the case, all the autumnal doom and gloom will be long since forgotten. Football's a funny old game at times.
Summary: Back Arsenal to win at 1.55