Arsenal Set to Clash with Sunderland: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Arsenal maintain their pursuit of a maiden Premier League championship in more than twenty years as they welcome Sunderland this Saturday afternoon.
The North Londoners capitalized completely on stumbles from Manchester City and Aston Villa during the previous weekend by demolishing Leeds United, reestablishing their lead at the top to six points. Their commanding 4–0 victory at Elland Road ended a three-match winless streak in the Premier League and circumstances improved further for Mikel Arteta's squad during midweek.
Kai Havertz's dramatic late winner against Chelsea in the return leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final secured their place in the final at Wembley this March, presenting a superb chance for their first trophy under Arteta since claiming the FA Cup in 2020. Manchester City await them there.
It's Sunderland who obstruct the route to success this weekend and Arsenal understand they cannot afford complacency on Saturday. The earlier meeting finished level as Brian Brobbey's late leveller frustrated the Gunners' championship hopes.
Sunderland have emerged as challenging opponents for everyone in the Premier League this campaign and despite their away struggles, they've still defeated Chelsea and earned a draw with Liverpool on their travels. The convincing 3–0 victory over Burnley last Monday propelled them back to eighth position, boosting morale before this intimidating fixture.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of Saturday's encounter.
What Time Does Arsenal vs. Sunderland Kick-Off?
What Time Does Arsenal vs. Sunderland Kick-Off?
Arsenal vs. Sunderland Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Arsenal vs. Sunderland Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Arsenal (WWWLW) | Sunderland (WLWWL) |
|---|---|
Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea | Sunderland 3–0 Burnley |
Leeds 0–4 Arsenal | West Ham 3–1 Sunderland |
Arsenal 3–2 Kairat Almaty | Sunderland 2–1 Crystal Palace |
Arsenal 2–3 Man Utd | Everton 1–1 (0–3p) Sunderland |
Inter 1–3 Arsenal | Brentford 3–0 Sunderland |
How to Watch Arsenal vs. Sunderland on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Arsenal vs. Sunderland on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Not televised—radio coverage available on BBC Radio 5 Live, talkSPORT |
United States | Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, Peacock |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 4 Canada |
Mexico | FOX One |
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal Team News
Arteta faces uncertainty over the availability of crucial pair Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, both absent from the Chelsea victory. Saka picked up a knock during pre-match preparations against Leeds while his skipper was surprisingly ruled out with a minor muscular problem.
Saka looks set to remain sidelined this weekend but Ødegaard's participation remains uncertain. Max Dowman and Mikel Merino are definitely out, with the latter having recently undergone foot surgery that will keep him out for a considerable period.
Arteta faces a crucial choice regarding his striker for Sunderland's arrival. Viktor Gyökeres disappointed significantly in midweek and might be dropped for either Gabriel Jesus or Havertz.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland
Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Havertz, Trossard; Jesus.
Sunderland Team News
Sunderland Team News
Unfortunately for Régis Le Bris, Sunderland skipper Granit Xhaka will be absent for the clash with his previous club. The Swiss midfielder is ruled out with an ankle problem and is accompanied by Bertrand Traoré in the medical bay.
Le Bris has suggested that deadline day signing Nilson Angulo might feature in some role, though it's highly improbable that backup goalkeeper Melker Ellborg will make his club debut.
January acquisition Jocelin Ta Bi may also be unavailable as he continues building his match sharpness.
Sunderland Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
Sunderland Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
Sunderland predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (5-4-1): Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Diarra, Sadiki, Le Fée, Talbi; Brobbey.
Arsenal vs. Sunderland Score Prediction
Arsenal vs. Sunderland Score Prediction
Sunderland have demonstrated they can trouble many of the league's elite teams and will look to exploit any tiredness and overconfidence within Arsenal's squad. Nevertheless, they'll require an outstanding display—without the key figure Xhaka—to claim any points from their London trip.
Arsenal possess the squad depth to rotate players and compensate for injuries without significantly weakening their starting eleven. Arteta's abundant options typically discover ways to secure victories, even when they rarely overwhelm their opposition.
Arsenal should increase their advantage over Manchester City to nine points before their rivals visit Liverpool on Sunday.