Sunderland go host Arsenal for Premier League top-four clash at Stadium of Light on Saturday. Na unofficial Granit Xhaka derby be this one. Sunderland dey 7 points behind Arsenal and three places lower, and Arsenal go try do wetin no team don fit do this season – beat Black Cats for their home.
Match Preview
Arsenal don carry momentum from Champions League win over Slavia Prague: 3-0 win with clean sheet, Mikel Merino heroically step in as emergency striker.
Goals from Merino brace, Bukayo Saka penalty, plus overturned Slavia spot kick make Gunners achieve 105-year record: eight successive wins without conceding in all competitions. Arsenal also maintain six-point lead over Man City for PL summit going into international break.
Last time Arsenal concede na September vs Newcastle. Dem dey try five straight PL wins with clean sheets, last done 1987 under George Graham. Arsenal dey mean for defence: only 1.9 shots on target per game this season, lowest ever in PL history.
Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs don concede Monday night, but Black Cats still unbeaten at home for season. Iliman Ndiaye score fourth goal for Sunderland, but Xhaka get first PL goal (deflection aid) steal 1-1 draw vs Arsenal.
Sunderland dey 4th in table, fit rise podium with win if Man City or Liverpool drop points Sunday. Stadium of Light last league win for Sunderland vs Arsenal na 1-0 back in 2009; since then Arsenal unbeaten in 15 top-flight games against them.
Team News
Arsenal: Viktor Gyokeres miss game due to muscle injury, but expect return for North London derby Nov 23. Martin Zubimendi fit play after Turf Moor knock. Kepa Arrizabalaga (knock) doubtful, only bench at best. Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard dey out.
Sunderland: Omar Alderete still out due to residual concussion symptom. Aji Alese (shoulder), Dennis Cirkin (wrist), Romaine Mundle (thigh), Leo Fuhr Hjelde (Achilles), Habib Diarra (groin) dey out. No fresh concerns from Monday night. Granit Xhaka dey try score back-to-back PL goals for first time since last Arsenal year.
Possible Lineups
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
Prediction
Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
Sunderland home scorers go face one of strongest Arsenal backlines in English football. Arsenal get our vote to win. Gyokeres absence reduce physical presence, but Merino dey serious penalty-box threat, plus Arsenal fit rely on set-pieces if needed.
