The international break is over; real football is back. After a derby-day victory over Spurs, Arsenal face the long trip up north to face Paulo Di Canio’s Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light. In this fixture last season, Arsenal were 1-0 victors through a Santi Cazorla goal.
The deadline-day signing of Mesut Özil has dominated social media sites and column inches in the last 10 days. Saturday’s match should should see the debut of the German international. The pressure is on Özil to deliver immediately, after he cost the club a record £42.5m.
Where Özil finds himself on the pitch is a different matter. With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski on the sidelines, Santi Cazorla will most likely be shifted to the left-wing, whilst Mesut Özil lines up in the No. 10 role behind in-form striker Olivier Giroud. Theo Walcott should complete the attacking quartet, with two of Aaron Ramsey, Mathieu Flamini and Jack Wilshere at the base of the midfield.
At the back, Bacary Sagna will most likely be re-introduced to the starting lineup after being unable to start against Spurs following a bout of sickness. The rest of the defence will likely remain unchanged.
The hosts enter the game having only picked up one point from a possible nine. Manager Paulo Di Canio wasted little time marking his stamp on the Sunderland squad – recruiting 14 new players in total over the summer.
The Black Cats struggled to a defeat against Crystal Palace before the international break, going down 3-1 at Selhurst Park. Di Canio and co. will be hoping that the break has served them well and will be looking to record their first win of the season against the Gunners.
Time to nail some predictions. In form front man Olivier Giroud has never scored a league goal outside of London, since his move to the Premier League. This could change on Saturday, as he not only has new signing Mesut Özil creating chances for him, but Santi Cazorla – who has created more chances that anyone else in the Premier League thus far. Could Sunderland score? Yes. It will be an open, attacking game, but I feel Arsenal’s quality will be just a little too much for the Mackems. I’ll plump for 3-1.
Here’s five bets that might take your fancy:
1: Arsenal (-1) Handicap (15/8) -> Arsenal have a lot more quality than Sunderland. If the Gunners can take an early lead, Sunderland will have to open up, leaving Mesut Özil and co. the freedom to create many many chances. Arsenal could win this by 2 or 3 goals. BET ON THIS MARKET
2: Olivier Giroud to score first (5/1) -> Olivier Giroud has been on fine form recently. Having said that, none of his Premier League goals have been scored outside of London. Saturday could be the day he breaks that duck. BET ON THIS MARKET
3: Arsenal to win 3-1 (15/1)-> Arsenal won 3-1 in their last away game, against Fulham. This side will always score goals. However, Sunderland might be able to knick a consolation goal. Cover that with a 3-1 correct result bet. BET ON THIS MARKET
4: Mesut Özil to score anytime (5/2) -> The hype surrounding Mesut Özil has been huge. Can he repay that huge transfer fee? Why not. Perhaps he starts repaying the £42.5m with a goal against The Black Cats. BET ON THIS MARKET
5: Both teams to score (20/21) -> Sunderland will be desperate to make amends for the poor start to the season. If they can score early, both teams to score looks like a banker of a bet. BET ON THIS MARKET
