Arsenal’s season seemed to be in doldrums as the Gunners seemed to have lost the plot after a few unexpected results. But after registering back to back wins over Manchester United, Southampton and Stoke City, the Gunners are very much back in the race of top four. An exuberant display against the Stoke City has voiced their determination to finish the season on a joyful note.
The win over the Potters has boosted Arsenal’s Champions League hopes and they will now welcome Sunderland at the Emirates whose relegation has already been confirmed. While Sunderland have nothing to play for they can surely spoil the party of the North Londoners. With the last two games in the home, Arsene Wenger needs to build a belief in the dressing room that they can still earn a license to participate in the Champions League next season by confirming a place in the top four.
Predicted 3-4-2-1 Arsenal Lineup Against Sunderland
Defence
Petr Cech will be in between the sticks against The Black Cats.
The new tweak in the defence has so far been very successful and Wenger is expected to keep the three-man defence theory intact.
The trio of Laurent Koscielny, Rob Holding and Shkodran Mustafi had a great game against Stoke City and they will hold their respective positions in the next match. Particularly Holding has been an absolute class since Wenger started to use this three-man defence formula. His composedness and ability to clear balls with cool head have made him an instant hit in the Premier League.
Midfield
The evolution of Granit Xhaka from a hot-headed midfielder to a midfielder who can absorb pressure has been huge. Since he has been handed the responsibility to bomb forward there is a distinctive difference in his playing style. He will be at the heart of the Gunners midfield to take care of the things.
Francis Coquelin is the most defensive minded midfielder among the Arsenal ranks. He will try to ease the path by creating a smooth way between the defence and the midfield.
Nacho Monreal has done an excellent job so far in the new role of the left wingback and he is expected to continue in this position.
Hector Bellerin’s pace will sure give a tough time to the Sunderland defender.
Attack
Instead of deploying Sanchez on the wings, Wenger has been fielding him more centrally to get him more on the ball.
Mesut Ozil will be operating alongside Sanchez from just behind the main striker.
Olivier Giroud scored a brace in the last match and he will be there upfront.
