Arsenal v Sunderland: Line-ups, stats and preview
The lowdown on Arsenal v Sunderland in the Premier League
Table of Contents
Arsenal v Sunderland preview
Sunderland’s fine Premier League season faces its toughest test yet as they take on the league leaders at the Emrirates.
A fine home win against Burnley on Monday night propelled the Black Cats up the table to eighth, while Arsenal booked a place in the League Cup final by beating Chelsea in midweek.
Mikel Arteta’s side have their targets set on bigger prizes, however, and start the weekend six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.
The 22-year wait for a title has never looked closer to ending but the Gunners will not find it easy on Saturday.
Regis le Bris’ side have built their impressive return on their home form, however. And Sunderland have never won in 16 Premier League away games against Arsenal (D5 L11), only visiting Liverpool more often without a victory in the competition (17).
Arsenal v Sunderland team news
Arsenal lost midfielder Mikel Merino to a broken foot last week, while winger Bukayo Saka is a doubt with a hip injury that forced him out of action against Leeds.
Captain Martin Odegaard missed the cup win over Chelsea in midweek but should be fit to return, while Kai Havertz is back in action.
Sunderland are without their captain and former Gunner Granit Xhaka but are otherwise at near full strength.
Arsenal v Sunderland predicted line ups
Arsenal starting XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Havertz, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Jesus, Trossard
Sunderland starting XI: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Le Fee, Diarra, Sadiki, Talbi; Brobbey
Arsenal v Sunderland: TV channel, online live streams
This match starts at 15:00 GMT (10:00 ET / 07:00 PT) on Saturday. The game is not being shown live in the UK.
Arsenal v Sunderland stats
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 18 home league games against Sunderland (W13 D5) since a 2-1 loss at Highbury in November 1983
- A 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in their last home league game has put them at risking of losing consecutively at home for the first time since April 2022
- The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 43 at home to promoted sides (W38 D5), which is the joint-longest run in Premier League history (Chelsea also achieved 43 between 2001 and 2015)
- They have scored more goals from corners than any other side in the Premier League this season (14) and are two shy of the most goals from corners in a single campaign (16 by Oldham in 1992/93, West Brom in 2016/17 and Arsenal in 2023/24)
- Four of Viktor Gyokeres’ six Premier League goals for Arsenal this season have come against promoted sides (three vs Leeds, one vs Burnley)
- Those four goals have come from just six shots (67% conversion rate), compared to two goals from 29 shots against everyone else (7% conversion)
- Sunderland have won one of their last 28 Premier League games against Arsenal (D10 L17), prevailing 1-0 at home in November 2009
- The Black Cats have never won in 16 Premier League away games against Arsenal (D5 L11), only visiting Liverpool more often without a victory in the competition (17)
- None of their seven Premier League away games (D3 L4) have resulted in victory since a 2-1 win at Chelsea on October 25
- No promoted side has ever won away at both Arsenal and Chelsea in a Premier League campaign
- They have faced the third-most shots in the Premier League this season (337) but have conceded the joint-third fewest goals (26)
- Their goals conceded to shots faced ratio (7.7%) is the lowest across a single campaign since Liverpool in 2018-19 (7.2%)
- Dan Ballard and Brian Brobbey were on target for Sunderland in their 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the reverse fixture. The last player to score home and away for them against Arsenal in the same league season was Tommy Wright in 1953/54
- Robin Roefs has made the third-most saves (76), has the second-highest save percentage (74.3%) and the joint-fifth most clean sheets (8) of any goalkeeper in the Premier League this season
- The last time a goalkeeper kept more clean sheets for a promoted side was in 2020/21 (Illan Meslier 11, Alphonse Areola 9)
Arsenal v Sunderland prediction
Arsenal
Sunderland
Arsenal’s march will continue against the game Black Cats. The Gunners’ squad strength will surely prove too much.
What To Do If You Have A Gambling Problem
We understand that gambling can be fun, but it is always important to gamble responsibly. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please do not hesitate to ask for help. There are people who can help you get on the road to recovery. Below, we have listed some helpful resources to help aid you on the road to recovery.
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- GamCare: https://www.gamcare.org.uk
- GambleAware: www.gambleaware.com