
Here are the confirmed lineups plus the latest team news ahead of the 3 pm Arsenal vs Sunderland Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are strong favourites to win this game and extend their lead at the top of the table. However, the Black Cats have shown that they can compete with the best this season and could make this a very tricky game for the home side.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are major doubts, and Mikel Merino is definitely out with a foot injury. However, Jurrien Timber is back for the Gunners.
The Black Cats will be without their captain and former Arsenal star, Granit Xhaka, who is out with an ankle injury. Winger Bertrand Traore also misses out following an injury sustained while on international duty at AFCON.
New signings Melker Ellborg and Nilsen Angulo are available for selection. Keeper Ellborg signed on Sunday from Malmo, and winger Angulo was a deadline day capture from Anderlecht.
Raya
Timber
Saliba
Gabriel
Calafiori
Rice
Zubimendi
Havertz
Madueke
Trossard
Jesus
Subs:Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Hincapie, Eze, Martinelli, Gyokeres, Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly
Roefs
Mukiele
Ballard
Alderete
Reinildo
Hume
Sadiki
Diarra
Le Fee
Talbi
Brobbey
Subs: Ellborg, O’Nien, Cirkin, Geertruida, Isidor, Mayenda, Rigg, Mundle, Angulo
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta spoke of what kind of atmosphere he is hoping for. He said: “The best. Tomorrow, 2.30 pm, the best atmosphere that we’ve seen, everybody ready for 3 pm to exploit, that’s what we want. We’re starting to get into a really crucial part of the season, and we know what every game means, and we need to get into the stadium with that energy, all of us.
Black Cats Head Coach Regis Le Bris spoke in his press conference about what he wants to see against Arsenal. He said: “We have to show the best version of Sunderland with an underdog mindset. They are probably one of the best teams in Europe at the minute, so it’s a tough challenge, but an exciting challenge.”
“I think if we keep this mindset, we stay humble, we know that we have to be strong on our key pillars, otherwise the level is too high, and you get punished really quickly.”
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!