MIDFIELD:
MIKEL ARTETA, ALEX-OXLADE CHAMBERLAIN, JACK WILSHERE, AARON RAMSEY, ALEXIS SANCHEZ
Mikel Arteta is likely to return to the holding midfielder role after having managed to make the bench in each of Arsenal’s two previous matches. Arteta’s return would see Mathieu Flamini make way.
As Santi Cazorla have played the entire 180 minutes across the last two fixtures, Wenger is likely to go with Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere as the two central attacking midfielders in the 4-1-4-1. But if Wenger decides to be careful with Wilshere as he had suffered a knee injury against Hull, Cazorla would be forced back into the line-up, thus changing the formation to a 4-2-3-1 with Ramsey moved to the double-pivot alongside Arteta.
Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain is finally getting the playing time he deserves and has delivered as well. After making an appearance off the bench during midweek, Chamberlain is likely to feature against Sunderland at the right of midfield.
Alexis Sanchez has been Arsenal’s brightest spot in most their recent games. Ever since he has arrived at the Emirates Stadium, Chile’s World Cup hero has proved to be an absolute menace to opposition defences with his speed and positioning and has justified his hefty price tag. With Chamberlain on the right, Sanchez would have to move to the left of midfield but that would likely not be an issue for the talented Chilean.
FORWARD:
DANNY WELBECK
The ex-United man is likely to keep his place upfront, even as Lukas Podolski stated his claim with a late winner in midweek. Welbeck has looked impressive after moving to Arsenal but has also been a touch wasteful and really needs to work on his finishing. Having scored twice so far in his 7 starts for Arsenal, Welbeck would be hoping to find the net again against a Sunderland side which is only recovering from the 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Southampton last week.