Zubimendi Set to Make Explosive Return as Arsenal Storm Wearside Against Sunderland
The Mikel Arteta momentum continues to build in north London, and even with numerous key players missing, there are minimal indications of the Gunners slowing down.
A historic eighth straight clean sheet contributed to a tenth successive victory in midweek, as Arsenal preserved their flawless beginning to the 2025–26 Champions League campaign with a commanding 3–0 triumph over Slavia Prague.
The opposition created challenges for the Gunners through compact man-marking tactics, which is becoming the preferred defensive strategy among top-tier football clubs. Sunderland employ more diverse defensive methods, but they will undoubtedly challenge the title contenders, who hold a six-point advantage at the summit, to penetrate their defense at the Stadium of Light.
Arteta faces multiple attacking absences this weekend, and here's the squad he might deploy on Wearside.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya—It will feel strange when we witness David Raya allowing a goal again, possibly exhilarating for certain fans. Honestly, the Arsenal shot-stopper has faced minimal pressure throughout his remarkable run.
RB: Jurriën Timber—The reliable Timber represents steadiness at right-back, and he's anticipated to maintain his starting position on Saturday.
CB: William Saliba—Saliba's possession work on Tuesday had social media analysts raving, and it remains to be seen if he'll serve as Arsenal's equivalent to John Stones once more this weekend.
CB: Gabriel—With numerous forwards unavailable, Arsenal might rely on their goal-scoring center-back to unlock this match through set-piece situations.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori—Arteta has utilized midweek fixtures to give Calafiori rest, with the Italian dominating Premier League appearances at left-back thus far.
CM: Martín Zubimendi—Zubimendi served his suspension during the week, and the minor injury he sustained last weekend against Burnley won't prevent him from traveling to Sunderland.
CM: Declan Rice—With a pragmatic Gunners side visiting the Stadium of Light, Rice's accuracy from set-pieces must be exceptional. It typically is. He'll also play a crucial role in containing the hosts during counter-attacks.
CM: Eberechi Eze—We're still anticipating Eze to ignite with the championship contenders, and this appears to be a crucial match for him. If Arsenal are to create opportunities from open play, the English midfielder must make his mark.
RW: Bukayo Saka—The responsibility falls on Saka to lead the attack, and their standout winger converted brilliantly from the penalty spot on Tuesday, enabling the Gunners to control the second half.
ST: Mikel Merino—He possesses that natural ability, doesn't he? Merino's penalty area awareness is remarkable, but he'll need to outmaneuver three physical Sunderland defenders this weekend.
LW: Leandro Trossard—Trossard keeps his position out of necessity, considering the extensive injury list.
