The unstoppable force of Arsenal travel to Sunderland for one of Saturday’s two late Premier League kick-offs.
With title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool facing each other the following day, this is a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to solidify their place at the top of the table.
But the Stadium of Light has not been a happy hunting ground for teams this season. Amazingly, newly-promoted Sunderland sit fourth ahead of Matchday 11’s start.
What a game in store, and we have previewed an unexpected Top 4 Premier League clash, picking out some betting tips from the latest football betting odds on NetBet.
And you can use markets for Sunderland vs Arsenal in conjunction with our exciting Weekly Premier League Offer. Wager £20 on qualifying Accas and receive a £5 Free Bet!
Where can I watch Sunderland vs Arsenal in the UK?
Sunderland vs Arsenal will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with kick-off scheduled for 5:30pm UK time.
Sunderland vs Arsenal Preview
Recent results
Arsenal have won the last 10 matches across all competitions, and are on a club-record run of eight consecutive clean sheets following Tuesday night’s 3-0 success at Slavia Prague.
Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade was the last player to beat goalkeeper David Raya, with the Gunners defeating Burnley 2-0 at a canter in their last top-flight outing.
Sunderland drew 1-1 with Everton at the Stadium of Light on Monday evening, ex-Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka (who should get a great reception on Saturday from the travelling supporters) salvaging a point for Regis Le Bris.
The Black Cats famously beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Matchday 9, and are unbeaten in five home games this season – conceding only three goals in the process.
Head-to-head record
This is the first meeting between the sides since Arsenal’s 5-1 EFL Cup win in December 2021, with the previous Premier League clash a 2-0 home victory for the Gunners in May 2017.
Arsenal have won nine of the previous 11 games vs Sunderland, and you have to go way back to November 2009 for their last defeat at the Stadium of Light.
Team news
Viktor Gyokeres is the latest Arsenal attacker to be condemned to the treatment table, joining Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus. Gyokeres picked up a knock after scoring in the win at Burnley, so Mikel Merino should start up top once again following his brace in Prague.
Sunderland are fairly good on the injury front, and could even welcome back Omar Alderete after the defender picked up a concussion in the 2-0 win over Wolves.
Sunderland vs Arsenal Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Table-toppers Arsenal are the big favourites here, sitting at odds of 1.40 to claim the win. Sunderland are priced at 7.30, while the draw is 4.70.
Sunderland vs Arsenal Betting Tips
Total goals – Under 2.5 @ 1.75
Arsenal’s defensive strength means their games have not really been high scoring of late, particularly in the Premier League. The Gunners’ previous four top-flight matches saw under 2.5 goals scored, with Arteta’s men yet to find the back of the net more than twice in a league away match this term.
Anytime goalscorer – Mikel Merino @ 2.75
Ever since Havertz sustained a serious hamstring injury at the back end of last season, Merino has shone as a makeshift No9. His two-goal salvo against Slavia took him to 18 goals for club and country in the calendar year, seven of them coming in the Premier League. So backing the silky Spaniard feels like a wise move.
First half Arsenal to win to nil – Yes @ 2.04
Arsenal led to nil at half-time in three of their previous four matches, the only exception being the 2-0 home win over Brighton in the EFL Cup. And Sunderland conceded early on in three of their last four games, and trailed Everton 1-0 at the break on Monday. The numbers suggest this is a selection well worth pursuing.
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