Arsenal continue their push for the Premier League title in a tricky clash against Sunderland.
Victory could move Arsenal nine points clear of second-placed Manchester City if Aston Villa fail to win at Bournemouth, whilst Sunderland can go seventh for at least a few hours.
Team News
Martin Odegaard is a doubt for Arsenal after he missed their second-leg victory at home to Chelsea in their Carabao Cup semi-final, having suffered a knock in their 4-0 league win at Leeds last weekend.
Mikel Merino (foot), Max Dowman (ankle) and Bukayo Saka (hip) remain absent.
Sunderland’s new signing, Nilson Angulo could make his debut following his deadline-day move from Anderlecht.
Bertrand Traore (knee), Jocelin Ta Bi and Granit Xhaka (both ankle) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Arsenal host Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on Saturday 7 February at 3pm GMT, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 16 league meetings against Sunderland (W10, D6).
- Sunderland are yet to win away at Arsenal in the Premier League (D5, L11).
- Arsenal have kept clean sheets in two of their last five league meetings against Sunderland.
- Arsenal have kept clean sheets in three of their last four league matches (W1, D2, L1).
- Sunderland have dropped 14 points across their last eight league matches (W2, D4, L2).
Prediction
Having executed a clinical deep-sitting defensive approach against Chelsea in midweek before snatching a late winner in contrast to their dominant league win at Leeds last weekend, Arsenal are a difficult team to positively call tactically because they know how to grind things out or dominate with ease.
Sunderland meanwhile endured a tough January but certainly put those difficulties aside with a clinically dominant display to see off Burnley on Monday evening, but I do think that they will have to go defensive and on the counter-attack given their awful Premier League form at Arsenal.
Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats though are winless in their last seven away league games but they certainly pushed Arsenal at home back in November, so the first goal will be crucial to their chances but I really don’t see Arsenal losing this.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland
Result: Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland
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