7M - Preview: Arsenal vs Sunderland - Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Arsenal fans will don their traditional red and white as they host Sunderland in a Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium this Saturday.

The Gunners return home buoyed by thoughts of their upcoming EFL Cup final, while Sunderland seeks to maintain their European aspirations.

Match Preview

Arsenal is currently winless in three Premier League games, failing to score in two of those matches. However, they bounced back last weekend with a convincing 4-0 win against Leeds United, despite missing key players Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka due to injury.

With Aston Villa suffering a surprising defeat, Arsenal sits six points clear at the top of the Premier League. They also secured a narrow 1-0 win against Chelsea in the EFL Cup semi-final, keeping their quadruple dream alive.

The Gunners are on the hunt for a fourth consecutive win in all competitions, aiming to extend their record of 43 successive home games unbeaten against newly-promoted teams.

Sunderland, meanwhile, has seen a revival after a tough festive period, winning three of their last four matches. Their most recent victory was a 3-0 triumph over Burnley, propelling them into eighth place, just three points shy of Liverpool.

However, Sunderland has struggled on the road, not winning any of their last seven away Premier League matches since their victory over Chelsea in October. A win on Saturday would mark the first time a promoted team has defeated both Arsenal and Chelsea in the same season.

Team News

Arsenal faces several injury concerns, with Mikel Merino possibly out for the season and Bukayo Saka expected to miss the weekend. Martin Odegaard is a doubt, but may recover in time for the match.

The Gunners will likely see Kai Havertz return to the starting lineup after his midweek heroics, potentially partnering with Gabriel Jesus.

For Sunderland, captain Granit Xhaka is sidelined with an ankle injury, as are Bertrand Traore and January signing Jocelin Ta Bi. However, coach Regis Le Bris will likely keep the same lineup that defeated Burnley.

Possible Starting Lineups

Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Havertz, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Jesus, Trossard

Sunderland: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Le Fee, Diarra, Sadiki, Talbi; Brobbey

Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland

We predict a 2-0 victory for Arsenal. Given their recent form and Sunderland's struggles on the road, the Gunners should handle their opponents without much difficulty.