Game Week 25 Predictions: Arsenal to beat Sunderland

Premier League preview: Arsenal vs Sunderland – Gunners eye 9-pt lead, home fortress, Saka out; Xhaka missing; verdict Arsenal to win.

 

Arsenal could well get the media scrutiny off their backs this weekend with a win over Sunderland this weekend, it will be a fascinting show at the Emirates. (Photo credit: Opta)

Arsenal vs Sunderland

Emirates StadiumKick-off:

 4:00pm

With seconds left on the clock at the Stadium of Light, BrianBrobbey took a huge risk, diving into a challenge on Arsenal’s David Raya and Gabriel Magalhães to earn Sunderland a dramatic 2–2 draw.

On Saturday, both sides meet again at the Emirates in a fixture of major significance. With Manchester City not playing until Sunday, the Gunners could open a nine-point gap at the top of the table with a win, while Sunderland could move within two points of the top four with a rare away victory.

Arsenal are in an excellent place right now. They sit proudly at the summit of the Premier League, have booked a place in the Carabao Cup final where they will face Manchester City after completing a midweek semi-final double over Chelsea, are through to the Champions League round of 16, and remain in contention for the FA Cup.

For Sunderland, the objective is to finish as high as possible. Few expected them to be so well placed after a major summer overhaul, but Régis Le Bris has done an impressive job rebuilding the side.

The Black Cats thrashed Burnley 3–0 on Monday Night Football to bounce back from a heavy defeat at West Ham. That result provides a confidence boost ahead of the daunting trip to league leaders Arsenal. They are not favourites, but the hosts know they will have to earn their victory.

The Emirates remains a fortress. Arsenal have lost only once there in all competitions this season. In fact, the only other times they failed to win at home in the league were against Manchester City and Liverpool.

Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka, who continues to struggle with a hip problem, while reports suggest Mikel Merino’s season may be over. Jurrien Timber is fit and available, but youngster Max Dowman still needs a few more weeks before returning.

Sunderland, meanwhile, will miss Granit Xhaka, who is battling an ankle issue, while Bertrand Traoré is also sidelined with a knee problem. Ian Poveda and Omar Alderete will both face late fitness tests ahead of kick-off.

The midfield battle could decide the contest. Expect Mikel Arteta to go all-out with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. Arsenal need the three points to maintain momentum and keep pressure off their shoulders, but don’t rule out the Black Cats pushing hard to have their say.

Verdict: Arsenal win.