Arsenal vs Sunderland Preview

Even after dominating the first few minutes, Arsenal suffered a 0-2 home defeat against Bayern Munich on mid-week but it’s time to put the defeat behind them and concentrate on league as they are about to welcome Sunderland to Emirates on Saturday.

While Sunderland are fighting for their survival, Gunners are just one point behind the league leaders chelsea. Both the teams will look to outplay each other and it will be a good match to watch for the neutrals.

Team & Injury News

Thomas Vermaelen and Aaron Ramsey are still out while Kieran Gibbs’s participation is also in doubt as he was injured during the game against Bayern Munich.

Arteta who missed the mid-week champions league game with suspension is back in the squad, and will mostly start ahead of Flamini with Jack Wilshere as his pivot partner. Even Mesut Ozil may get benched after a disastrous showing against the defending European champions. Giroud is also expected to start after being benched for last two games.

Sunderland receive a massive boost as Steven Fletcher is back to training after recovering from an Achilles injury. His inclusion is still a doubt. Carlos Cuellar is also nearing full fitness, but still will miss the trip to London.

Possible starting lineups

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla, Rosicky, Giroud, Ox

Sunderland: Mannone, Bardsley, Dossena, Bridcutt, O’Shea, Brown, Ki, Colback, Johnson, Borini, Fletcher

Match Facts

Arsenal have lost just one of their last 20 Barclays Premier League games against Sunderland (W12 D7 L1).
Sunderland have not won away at Arsenal in the league since November 1983, losing 10 of the 14 visits since.
Despite Sunderland not scoring in four of the last five visits to the Emirates Stadium, the Black Cats have taken points three times in those encounters with 0-0 draws.
Mesut Ӧzil made his debut in the reverse fixture earlier this season and set up Olivier Giroud’s opening goal.
Sunderland have gone six on the road without defeat in the Premier League (W3 D3 L0) – this after winning just one point in their eight PL away games (D1 L7) prior to this run.

Match facts courtesy: Yahoo Sport

Recent form

Arsenal: DWLDWL

Sunderland: DWWWLW

Betting Tips & Prediction

Despite the mid-week defeat, Arsenal are still a formidable force at home as they have just lost one match at home this season. bet365 odds are at 3/10 (1.33) for Arsenal to take all three points.

Arsenal 3 Sunderland 1