Arsenal welcome relegation-battling Sunderland to the Emirates in their 15th game of the league season, in a match which provides a chance for the Gunners to get back to winning ways.
Arsene Wenger’s side have endured a poor run of form over the last few weeks in the Premier League, which will surely come back to bite them later. The north Londoners have only picked up two points from a possible nine in their last three games, with draws against Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City and a loss against West Bromwich Albion. Considering these are the types of fixtures the fans expect their team to win, this will make Arsenal’s matches against their fellow big teams later on in the winter period even more costly if they lose.
Last weekend, Arsenal drew away in the East against Norwich. It was a match where Norwich made it more difficult to crack their defence as the game progressed, and in the end the Gunners left Carrow Road disappointed that they couldn’t get another goal in the earlier stages of the game.
Sunderland are experiencing their usual season of uncertainty. With a new manager coming in, a couple more wins on the board and a thrashing of Tyne-Wear rivals Newcastle United all now on the board, it almost seems destined that they’ll escape the drop. The new gaffer Sam Allardyce has transformed the Black Cats into a well-organised and spirited side, a far cry from the sloppy and leaky team Dick Advocaat oversaw towards the end of his reign as manager at the beginning of this season. As a result, Big Sam has guided his side out of the drop zone, with two points more than 18th placed Bournemouth – with Sunderland managing three wins and three draws altogether so far.
Their last match was a tense home game against Stoke City in which the game was only wrapped up in the closing stages. Goals from Patrick van Aanholt and youngster Duncan Watmore sealed the three points in a game which had the Sunderland faithful on the edge of their seats, which showcased the fight the players had in them. Whilst the quality may not be in this side, the determination alone to expose an Arsenal side in poor form and continue their great form may be enough to give the Gunners a run for their money.
A player Arsenal need to watch out for is Lee Cattermole. The tough-tackling Englishman shepherded his back-line well as a defensive midfielder, broke up attacks and played some good passes forward last weekend. He’ll be a frustrating player for Arsenal to get past.
A player Sunderland have to watch out for is Mesut Özil. With the injury list piling up at London Colney, and the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott being ruled out, the German is being relied upon to deliver and run the show. The league’s top assister and one of the most in-form players in the division, his vision and ability should crack this structured Sunderland back four.
Team news
Take a deep breath, here’s the Arsenal injury list. Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Francis Coquelin, Danny Welbeck, Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta. Not to mention Alexis Sánchez and Santi Cazorla, who all picked up injuries away at Norwich. They’ll be out for a few weeks, 3 weeks and four months respectively, in what is a staggering blow for Arsenal. On the bright side, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are back in contention, while Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs and Theo Walcott could return to the matchday squad. It remains to be seen whether this makeshift XI can deliver a much-needed three points.
Predicted XIs
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Monreal; Ramsey, Flamini; Campbell, Özil, Chamberlain; Giroud.
Sunderland (4-2-2): Pantilimon; Coates, O’Shea, Kaboul, Yedlin; van Aanholt, M’Vila, Cattermole, Lens; Fletcher, Watmore.
Prediction
A 1-0 win to the Arsenal. The unbelievable amount of players in the treatment room will seriously hinder Arsenal and as a result a lack of quality will be present. However, the attacking spine of Ramsey, Özil and Giroud will be enough to see it out so Arsenal’s only goal will come through Olivier Giroud, despite the resolute fight Sunderland will put up.
