With Sunderland coming off the back of a eight goal thrashing, if it was any other time other than this we could comfortably say that Arsenal are the favourites. However given Arsenal’s own wobbly form at the moment, having taken two very late goals to rescue the 3 points at Anderlecht, there is a genuine risk of Arsenal dropping even more points today. Sunderland, on their part, are probably the biggest jekyll and hyde team in the Premier League so don’t let the 8 goal thrashing fool you. The Black Cats will always be a threat at the Stadium of Light and this match will definitely be another test of character for Arsene Wenger’s makeshift team.
Arsenal
Wojciech Szczesny will return to the goal from the Champions League match. Mikel Arteta is now fully fit and expect him to play a part in the match in place of the offcolour Frenchmen Mathieu Flamini. Also Calum Chambers is set to continue in the right back slot from his Champions League encounter as he served out his one match ban last week. However that is where the good news end for Arsenal. Jack Wilshere is suspended and Laurent Koscielny is still out injured which means the left back Nacho Monreal will have to play in an unfamiliar position once more.
Sunderland
Compared to Arsenal, Sunderland looks like the paragon of health at the moment. Not many problems in the side injury wise except for Sebastian Coates who is out till next month. The Italian international Emanuele Giaccherini and the exceedingly talented Ricky Alvarez are also out for this match and probably the next one as well.
From an Arsenal point of view it is not difficult to predict what Arsene Wenger will try to do. He will look to use his fast paced players like Danny Welbeck, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez to get behind the Sunderland defence nice and early. With the eight goal thrashing still fresh in their minds, Arsene Wenger will try to ensure that Danny Welbeck, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez try to put as much pressure as possible on the Sunderland to try and force a mistake. Speed will be a vital element for the match tomorrow. Also Arsene Wenger will be hoping that his own makeshift defence holds up against this very unpredictable Sunderland side.
On the other hand it is not difficult to see what Gus Poyet’s side will do tomorrow. Pack the midfield and try to press the Arsenal players nice and early. Also special attention will be given to Mikel Arteta (should he start) so that Arsenal are not able to build up the momentum of attacks through him. Lee Cattermole will be crucial tomorrow from a Sunderland point of view.
Sunderland: Pantilimon; Reveillere, Brown, O’Shea, Van Aanholt; Cattermole, Larsson, Rodwell; Johnson, Wickham, Fletcher
Arsenal: Szczesny; Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs; Flamini; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Cazorla, Sanchez; Welbeck
Facts compiled from BBC
Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal
As bad as Arsenal has been you cannot see anything but three points for the Gunners here.
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