Game Week 11 Predictions: Arsenal to beat Xhaka's Sunderland

Sunderland vs Arsenal: 4th-placed Black Cats host leaders at 6:30pm. Xhaka reunion, injuries hit Gunners. Verdict: Arsenal win.

The Granit Xhaka derby is one to watch out for, will the former Arsenal man stunt derail the Gunners' title charge? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Sunderland vs Arsenal

Stadium of Light

6:30pm

This is one fixture everyone is interested in for many reasons. Potential title winner for this season against the adopted team for lots of neutrals and the second team for many.

It should be David against Goliath on paper; however, the Black Cats have killed giants and ruffled feathers. Guess where they are on the log? Fourth! Seven points off the top, and they can cut Arsenal’s advantage on them to four points with a win in front of their fans on Saturday; they can dream.

What has worked greatly for these Black Cats? They have kept their heads under wraps, playing for one another and staying disciplined in possession. They have a coach who knows how to manage games, and they just might be the real surprise package this season.

For the log leaders, it’s about taking things one game at a time. Like it was last season, injury has ravaged Arsenal again, but the quality of their depth and the maturity that comes from being second three straight times counts for something.

Arsenal is perfect in Europe; another professional 3-0 win away at Slavia Prague, despite having to rotate a lot, says a lot about where they are now. Talks of set pieces continue to hover around the Gunners, but they don’t care; they keep getting results, and that is what matters.

How will Sunderland approach this one? They laboured hard to earn a point at home against Everton last weekend; it was a toe-to-toe affair, and they should be grateful that Everton’s Barry ballooned when it was easier to score. They must be a lot more careful against the Gunners.

Regis Le Bris is expected to feature three defenders at the back. One name that would ring on both sides is that of Granit Xhaka. The Swiss midfielder played 229 games for the Gunners, and he would be massively applauded by Arsenal fans. How he’d love to score against his beloved Arsenal on Saturday.

For Arsenal, it’s hard to know who is available and who is not. Ebere Eze is expected to return in the middle alongside Martin Zubimendi, who has trained despite missing the Champions League game in midweek. Declan Rice has been immense for Arsenal; he will be a key figure again.

Mikel Merino is expected to lead the line in place of Viktor Gyokeres, who is struggling with muscle problems, while Bukayo Saka is expected to shine in this one. It would be a tough game for the Gunners, but it’s one they’re expected to win.

Verdict: Arsenal to win.