7M - Preview: Arsenal Aim to Extend Lead Against Sunderland

Arsenal, sitting atop the Premier League table, hosts Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium this Saturday, with the opportunity to extend their lead over second-placed Manchester City to nine points.

The Gunners bounced back from their first home defeat of the season against Manchester United with a series of victories, including a key 1-0 win against Chelsea, which secured their place in the Carabao Cup final for the first time since 2017.

Mikel Arteta's team will play a day before their title rivals Manchester City, making this match a crucial chance to open a significant gap at the top.

However, Sunderland has presented a challenge for Arsenal this season, notably holding the Gunners to a 2-2 draw earlier, thanks to a last-minute goal from Brian Brobbey, maintaining their impressive unbeaten home record.

On the road, Sunderland's form has been less favorable, as they possess the fourth worst away record in the league, securing just two wins away from the Stadium of Light.

Both teams may be without their club captains, with Granit Xhaka nursing an ankle injury and Martin Odegaard having missed the recent match against Chelsea.

Arsenal also confirmed Mikel Merino will undergo surgery for a stress fracture in his foot, sidelining him for a significant period. Bukayo Saka is likely out after an injury during the warm-up against Leeds United, with Noni Madueke expected to step in for him.

On the Sunderland side, Viktor Gyokeres will be looking to add to his goal tally, having scored three times in his last five matches since his £64 million transfer from Sporting Lisbon. Meanwhile, Brobbey, who has five Premier League goals this season, will pose a significant threat to Arsenal's defense.

Sunderland is currently eighth in the league, firmly in contention for European football and just three points behind the reigning champions, Liverpool. Despite their ambitions, Sunderland's history against Arsenal is not favorable, with their last Premier League win against the Gunners in 2009 and no victories at the Emirates.

As Arsenal seeks to strengthen their title challenge, they can expect a tough match against Regis Le Bris' resilient Sunderland side.