Arsenal vs Sunderland Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Arsenal have put suggestions that they are nervous to one side for the time being as the Gunners now welcome an impressive Sunderland side to the Emirates Stadium.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / USA – Peacock & Universo
Arsenal preview: Going for the quadruple
A late Kai Havertz goal assured Arsenal of a 4-2 aggregate defeat of Chelsea in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup in midweek and there is now the more realistic possibility of the Gunners fighting to win a first ever quadruple.
The Gunners have extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points in the last week or so, too, with a 4-0 hammering of Leeds United at Elland Road last weekend.
Sunderland preview: Impressive Sunderland
Sunderland come into this one on the back of an impressive 3-0 thumping of Burnley at the Stadium of Light last week, courtesy of an own goal from Axel Tuanzebe as well as strikes scored by Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi.
That has lifted the Black Cats into the top eight ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures and Regis Le Bris’ Wearsiders are in an excellent position to potentially qualify for European competition.
Arsenal team news: Timber is good to go
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Netherlands international defender Jurrien Timber is 'fine', despite having missed training on Thursday, after the EFL Cup clash with Chelsea.
Arteta's view on Bukayo Saka, who has been sidelined since limping out of the warm-up against Leeds last weekend is that the England international will be back 'very soon'.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli
Unavailable: Merino (Injured), Dowman (Injured), Saka (Injured)
Questionable: Odegaard (Fitness)
Sunderland team news: Angulo is fit
In his pre-match press conference, Regis Le Bris has confirmed that new signing Nilson Angulo, who joined on transfer deadline day for £17.25 million from Anderlecht, is 'fit and ready'.
The Black Cats do have a couple of key absentees, though, due to injury, with former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka still sidelined alongside Burkina Faso international attacker Bertrand Traore.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Sadiki, Geertruida; Diarra, Le Fee, Talbi; Brobbey
Unavailable: Xhaka (Injured), Traore (Injured)
Questionable: Ta Bi (Fitness)
Arsenal vs Sunderland prediction
Arsenal recovered from a shaky start to the year, which involved goalless draws with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest as well as a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, and they are now clear again at the top-of-the-table. Sunderland will head to north London confident that they can be stubborn to play against for the Gunners but a lower scoring home win still appears to be the likeliest outcome for this one.
Arsenal vs Sunderland tip: Arsenal to win & under 3.5 goals
