Arsenal vs. Sunderland: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream, TV Info
A few weeks ago, predicting this match looked like a no-brainer. Arsenal were in the midst of a convincing title charge, while Sunderland seemed doomed for relegation.
How quickly things change. The Gunners have since gone three league games without a win, while Sunderland seem revitalised under new boss Sam Allardyce. Having won their last two league matches, they’re now looking to make it a memorable hat-trick at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal need to get back to winning ways quickly because there’s a growing sense that their season could be coming apart at the seams. The injury problems that have dogged them for years have reared their head again, and they’re now set to be without their first-choice central midfield partnership of Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin until the spring.
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It’s vital for their belief that they return to winning ways on Saturday—especially with a crunch fixture against Manchester City just a fortnight away.
Sunderland’s concerns are at the other end of the table. Despite their recent revival, they are still just two points clear of the relegation zone. Every point is vital for Allardyce in his battle to beat the drop, and he’d love nothing more than to take some off Arsenal.
Date: Saturday, December 5
Time: 3 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET
Location: Emirates Stadium, London
Television coverage: USA Network (U.S. only)
Streaming: USA Live TV (U.S. only)
Form
Arsenal
L (5-1) vs. Bayern Munich
D (1-1) vs. Tottenham
L (2-1) vs. West Brom
W (3-0) vs. Dinamo Zagreb
D (1-1) vs. Norwich
Sunderland
W (3-0) vs. Newcastle
L (6-2) vs. Everton
L (0-1) vs. Southampton
W (0-1) vs. Crystal Palace
W (2-0) vs. Stoke
How Arsenal would love a convincing win over Sunderland to settle their nerves. A few goals wouldn’t go amiss, either. Thus far, the Gunners have scored just eight times in their six league matches at home.
Allardyce, meanwhile, will take great satisfaction from Sunderland’s improving defensive record. Although they were diabolical at Everton, they have kept three clean sheets in their last five matches—a solid base from which to build.
The Managers
Wenger knows he is in for a battle this weekend. Allardyce has long been a difficult opponent for his teams—one who is prepared to make things tight and physical to get a result.
At least Arsenal should be ready for such a challenge. In their last two league games, they have played against West Brom and Norwich, who have both adopted similar strategies. Arsenal must now find a way to convert their dominance of possession into results. Wenger told Arsenal.com:
"It is very difficult [against these teams] and we have just seen that at Norwich and West Brom, where we had about 70 per cent possession in the two games. In the two games together we had four shots against us and conceded three goals, so that shows it is difficult.
We face a team on Saturday that has recently taken points, is well organised and has gone to a very strong defensive system under Sam Allardyce. They have gained some confidence in their system so we expect a tough game.
"
There are few fixtures that Allardyce relishes more than coming up against Arsenal and Wenger. In the past, the rivalry between the two managers boiled over into sheer antagonism. However, in an interview with the BBC, he insisted that tension had cooled somewhat. Allardyce said:
"Those early days were years and years ago and it's been much more amicable, our meetings, not just on match days, but also off the field when we have bumped into each other. But I have always had a huge amount of respect for Arsene and his quality as a manager. Winding-up became a procedure that we all use if and when we feel it necessary. I might have wound him up a time or two, but never disrespected him.
"
Perhaps Allardyce should look to stoke the fires again. The relationship with Wenger may be better, but he has also lost his last seven Premier League matches against the Frenchman.
Team News
Arsenal
The main question for Wenger is how to cope without his first-choice central midfield partnership of Coquelin and Cazorla. With Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky also sidelined, his options are limited.
Although Calum Chambers has played in central midfield for the Arsenal youth side in preparation for a potential run-out, the likelihood is that Wenger will opt for Aaron Ramsey alongside Mathieu Flamini.
Alexis Sanchez has also been ruled out with a hamstring injury. His replacement is likely to be Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with one of Joel Campbell or Kieran Gibbs asked to play on the opposite flank.
Laurent Koscielny and Theo Walcott are back in full training, but it’s unlikely that either player will be risked from the start.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Petr Cech; Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker, Gabriel Paulista, Nacho Monreal; Mathieu Flamini, Aaron Ramsey; Joel Campbell, Mesut Ozil, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; Olivier Giroud
Sunderland
Allardyce welcomes back defender Billy Jones, who missed the win over Stoke through suspension. However, former Tottenham man Jermain Defoe will miss out with a hamstring injury. The former England striker would surely have relished the chance to get one over his old rivals. In his absence, young forward Duncan Watmore will be afforded another chance to shine.
Another notable absentee is midfielder Sebastian Larsson. The Swede began his career in English football with Arsenal but will miss this match with a knee problem.
Predicted Sunderland XI (5-3-2): Costel Pantilimon; Deandre Yedlin, Sebastian Coates, John O’Shea, Younes Kaboul, Patrick van Aanholt; Yann M’vila, Lee Cattermole, Jeremain Lens; Steven Fletcher, Duncan Watmore
Players to Watch
Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey
The absence of Cazorla and Coquelin places a huge responsibility on Ramsey, who is almost certain to be restored to his preferred role in central midfield. He actually began the Premier League campaign there but was shifted back out wide after just 45 minutes. This is his chance to reassert his claim for centre stage.
He has all the tools. Ramsey is blessed with power, technique, imagination and goalscoring instincts. He may, however, have to curb his attacking nature to ensure the side remains balanced. It will be fascinating to see how quickly he can readjust to his former position.
Sunderland: Duncan Watmore
Watmore is one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents and will be granted a chance to show why at the Emirates Stadium.
When asked by Craig Hope of the Daily Mail how he intended to replace Defoe, Allardyce responded:
"We’ve got Duncan who came on and made an impression last week, which is nice to see a young man burst on the scene and show excellent ability.
That’s a massive bonus, I did not expect that when I came here. So he has an opportunity.
"
Watmore’s technical skill and relentless work rate is sure to provide a stern test for the Arsenal back line.
James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout 2015/16. Follow him on Twitter here.
