Sunderland v Arsenal: Line-ups, stats and preview

Sunderland v Arsenal match preview

Few would have predicted at the start of the season that it would be first against fourth in the Premier League when Arsenal take on Sunderland this weekend.

The Black Cats have made a brilliant return to the Premier League so far and are among those in the pack chasing early leaders Arsenal – who head into the weekend with a six-point lead.

Mikel Arteta’s blend of finesse and power has swept all before them so far bar a late defeat at Anfield and five Premier League wins in a row have pushed them clear.

There is a long way to go but this could be the best chance to win the title for the first time in a generation.

Sunderland have not beaten the Gunners in 15 league meetings, however, since a 1-0 win in 2009. But their total of 18 points are the most a newly promoted side has won 10 games into a Premier League season since Hull City in 2008-09 (20).

Sunderland v Arsenal team news

Sunderland are waiting to see if defender Omar Alderete is fit to return from a concussion.

Aji Alese, Leo Fuhr Hjellde, Romaine Mundle and Habib Diarra are all still out while Granit Xhaka will skipper them against his old club.

Arsenal are without striker Viktor Gyokeres again so Mikel Merino could deputise up top once more. Martin Zubimendi is back from suspension and centre-half Gabriel is likely to miss out.

Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke are all still missing.

Sunderland v Arsenal expected line-ups

Sunderland: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Geertruida, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Traore, Isidor, Le Fee

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard

Sunderland v Arsenal stats

• Sunderland are winless in their last 15 Premier League games against Arsenal (D5 L10), since a 1-0 home victory in November 2009
• Sunderland haven’t won any of their last 23 Premier League games against sides starting the day in the top four of the table (D7 L16) since a 2-1 win over 2nd place Chelsea in April 2014
• Their last victory over a table topping side in the top-flight was in a 1-0 home win against Man City in January 2012

How to watch Sunderland v Arsenal

Kick-off on Saturday is at 17:30 GMT (12:30 ET / 09:30 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra.

Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a day membership, £28 a month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.

Sky Sports memberships include access to all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which offers live streams and a dedicated channel.

Streaming is available on a vast variety of devices via the Sky GO app.

Sunderland v Arsenal prediction

Sunderland have been making a mockery of predictions all season but will struggle against the formidable looking Gunners. An away win beckons.

Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal