In-form Arsenal face Sunderland in their third consecutive away game on what could be another pivotal weekend in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners have beaten Burnley and Slavia Prague over the past week, achieving the latter in the absence of several key players such as Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres.
Bukayo Saka’s penalty and a brace from Mikel Merino maintained Arsenal’s perfect start in the Champions League and sealed a tenth straight win across all competitions in the process.
Attentions shift back to the Premier League and the final game before the international break. Mikel Arteta’s side currently sit top of the table, six points clear of second-placed Manchester City who are in action against Liverpool which means there could be a huge twist in the title race.
Sunderland, captained by ex-Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, are expected to provide a stern test for the north London outfit as they’ve made a solid start to life back in the top-flight as they sit fourth and are yet to lose at home in the league.
Sunderland did not suffer any fresh injuries in their 1-1 draw against Everton on Monday night. Therefore, manager Regis Le Bris could choose from the same squad for the visit of Arsenal.
That said, Omar Alderete could be available for selection again after missing the last two games – including the shock win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
As for the Gunners, Gyokeres is set to miss out once again because of a hamstring injury that saw him sidelined for Tuesday night’s win in the Czech Republic.
The Swede joins Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke on Arsenal’s list of absentees, though there is hope the quintet will be available for the north London derby against Tottenham after the international break.
Gabriel Jesus is not ready to be in contention despite returning to full training. Kepa Arrizabalaga is a doubt but Martin Zubimendi should be fine to return after missing the win over Slavia Prague through suspension.
Riccardo Calafiori and Eberechi Eze are expected to earn recalls, while Merino is set to operate as a centre-forward once again after filling in superbly for Gyokeres in midweek.
The Gunners are in a groove right now and all signs point towards another win on the road to place greater importance on the showdown between Man City and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium less than 24 hours later.
Sunderland are by no means a push over, particularly at home, but we expect Arsenal to have that extra bit of quality in between both boxes.
Sunderland’s last Premier League win over Arsenal came in November 2009 when Darren Bent scored the only goal of the game.
