Sunderland face Arsenal next Saturday in the Premier League.
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Last update:
November 7, 2025 10:04:50 GMT
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3 minutes of reading
Sunderland-Arsenal match preview
Few would have predicted at the start of the season that they would find themselves first versus fourth in the Premier League when Arsenal take on Sunderland this weekend.
The Black Cats have made a brilliant return to the Premier League so far and are part of the pack chasing early leaders Arsenal – who head into the weekend six points clear.
Mikel Arteta’s blend of finesse and power has swept away everything so far, bar a late defeat at Anfield and five consecutive Premier League wins pushing them to the sidelines.
There’s still a long way to go, but this could be the best chance to win the title for the first time in a generation.
Sunderland, however, have not beaten the Gunners in 15 league meetings since a 1-0 win in 2009. But their tally of 18 points is the most a newly promoted side has won 10 games in a Premier League season since Hull City in 2008-09 (20).
Sunderland vs Arsenal team news
Sunderland are waiting to see if defender Omar Alderete is fit to return from concussion.
Aji Alese, Leo Fuhr Hjellde, Romaine Mundle and Habib Diarra are all still out while Granit Xhaka will lead them against his former club.
Arsenal are once again without striker Viktor Gyokeres, so Mikel Merino could once again take charge of the squad. Martin Zubimendi is back from suspension and center half Gabriel will likely be absent.
Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegarard and Noni Madueke are still missing.
Sunderland vs Arsenal expected line-ups
Sunderland: Refs ; The Humes, Mukiel, Ballard, Greeda, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Traoré, Isidor, The Fairy
Arsenal: Kingdom; Wood, Lintasa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard
Sunderland vs Arsenal stats
- Sunderland are winless in their last 15 Premier League matches against Arsenal (D5 L10), since a 1-0 home victory in November 2009.
- Sunderland have not won any of their last 23 Premier League matches against teams starting the day in the top four (D7 L16) since a 2-1 victory over second-placed Chelsea in April 2014.
- Their last victory against a team at the top of the top flight came in a 1-0 home win over Man City in January 2012.
How to watch Sunderland vs Arsenal
Kick-off on Saturday will be at 5:30 p.m. GMT (12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT), with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra.
Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a one-day subscription, £28 per month for a 12-month subscription or £34.99 per month without a contract.
Sky Sports subscriptions include access to all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which offers live broadcasts and a dedicated channel.
Streaming is available on a wide variety of devices via the Sky GO app.
Sunderland vs Arsenal Prediction
Sunderland have laughed off predictions all season but will struggle to face the formidable Gunners. An away victory is in store.
Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal
