Overview
- Kick-off is 3pm GMT at the Emirates, where the leaders can move nine points ahead of Manchester City before their rivals play on Sunday.
- Arsenal have confirmed Mikel Merino faces a long absence after foot surgery, Bukayo Saka is a late doubt and Martin Ødegaard is uncertain, while Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is out.
- Pre-match reports indicate Mikel Arteta is set to make around four changes, with David Raya, Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori and Noni Madueke among those touted to start.
- Arsenal own the league’s best defensive record with 17 goals conceded and pose a strong set-piece threat, against a Sunderland team unbeaten at home but struggling away.
- Pundits Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton both predict an Arsenal victory, with Sutton noting the impact of Xhaka’s absence after the 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture.