Arsenal already missed a massive chance to go to the top of the league table last weekend and will be looking to make amends for that when they visit an injury struck and struggling Sunderland side. The relegation-threatened team again lost in the midweek to Southampton and the travelling Gooners will expect a win in this away fixture.
Arsenal are currently level on points with Manchester City on the top of the Premier League table and are second only by the goal difference while Sunderland are dwelling at the bottom of the table, yet to get a single win this season.
Arsenal’s away record this season is certainly encouraging. With 10 points collected from a total of 4 matches played away, Arsenal are followed by Liverpool, who have the same number of points with 5 games played. Sunderland’s home record has been terrible with the Black Cats only managing to get 1 point from the 4 played so far.
Team News
Arsenal- The weekend game cost Arsenal their newest recruit Lucas Perez, who will be out for 6-8 weeks with an ankle injury. Good news is they will have Olivier Giroud back as an option up front and the biggest boost, as Wenger revealed, is they will have Aaron Ramsey as well.
Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott are uncertainties although they could be available for selection at the last moment. Walcott was unwell as last reported but is expected to shake it off before the game. Monreal also has a little muscle tightness and could be rested.
Mertesacker and Welbeck are out for a long time and Xhaka will return after this match from suspension.
Sunderland
If it is any relief to the team, their long injury list is finally reducing. From 9 players out with injury two weeks back, it is now down to 6, but those players that still out includes the likes of Sebastian Larsson, Fabio Borini, Adnan Januzaj and Jan Kirchhoff.
Team Lineup
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) – Cech; Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Gibbs; Coquelin, Cazorla; Walcott, Iwobi, Ozil; Sanchez
Sunderland (4-3-1-2) – Pickford; Van Aanholt, Kone, O’Shea, Manquillo; Rodwell; McNair, Khazri, N’dong; Defoe, Watmore
Key players
Arsenal- Arsene Wenger stated in the press conference the importance of Santi Cazorla. With 91% passing accuracy, the midfield gem is one of the key players for his team. With Alex Iwobi and Sanchez in thunderous form, the Gunners are unlikely to struggle in their quest for three points with the normal passing service restored behind the attackers.
Sunderland- Sunderland haven’t been the team what everyone expected of them. But Jermain Defoe has been the only shining light. His goal scoring ability hasn’t been affected a light by his age and he remains Sunderland’s top scorer this season. The Black Cats are likely to play on the counter and Defoe’s pace on the break will be crucial for the hosts.
Odds
Sunderland @ 9.00
Draw @ 5.00
Arsenal@ 1.40
