Paul Merson has picked the team he used to play for, Arsenal, to drop points in this weekends action. Wenger’s side are out of the title race and are back to fighting for the usual top four finish. The trip away to the Stadium of Light is a match that many would pick the Gunners to win easily, but with the Black Cats in a tough relegation battle, nothing is for sure. In their earlier meeting this season, the Gunners won easily 2-1 at home.
Arsenal fans will be watching closely as earlier this week Arsene Wenger hinted that Jack Wilshere could make an appearance, his first since the cup final. With the quiet and sometimes hostile atmosphere around the Emirates lately it may be a nice escape for the team. Arsenal are coming off a tough display against Crystal Palace and a solid win against West Brom. All this in mind, Merson has predicted a 1-1 draw in his Sky Sports prediction column.
I watched Arsenal on Sunday and it was one of the flattest performances I’ve seen, they just went through the motions.
Arsenal beat West Brom on Thursday, but they should have beaten Palace too. Sunderland, meanwhile, have picked up under Big Sam, winning at Norwich last week. I fancy them to edge closer to safety with a point, but they do need to score first.
The sides kick off at 2.05 British Standard Time at the Stadium of Light.
