Sunderland would no doubt do anything for a win today, Newcastle drew with Liverpool yesterday to pile on the pressure and on top of that, Arsenal could do with the points as well.
But while Newcastle have pulled level on points with the Black Cats, Sam Allardyce’s men have two games in hand and they must really make them count, Norwich are one point and a place ahead of Sunderland, the lads also have a game in hand over them.
Sunderland will be hoping there is no repeat scoreline from the visit to the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal won 3-1 in December and that started a run of five straight defeats for the Wearsiders.
Last time out Sunderland hammered Norwich at Carrow Road, Arsenal made it five games without defeat after they beat West Brom 2-0. The visitors are overwhelming favourites to win this one, Sunderland will need all they have to give to grab the points.
Vital Quotes:
Sam Allardyce: (On Wenger) “Arsene is going to be there until – the very least – 2017, because that`s when his contract runs out.
“He`s always done whatever he has said in his near-20 years there – and I don`t think that will change.
“Whether he or the board decide it`s time to move on will depend on his last season – he`s going to be in the Champions League again by the looks of it.
“He will be hurting badly, I think, knowing this season was his best chance to win the Premier League again. Rightly, he`s sticking up for himself and his players, because they`re very talented.
“Deep down, I think they all know it was their chance to have the crown jewels in terms of the Premier League this season.
“But I think it would be very dangerous to change Arsene Wenger. Who`s available and who do you get? It won`t be Jose Mourinho, will it, because of the Chelsea-Arsenal thing?
“Would they be brave enough to get another unknown like Arsene was when he first went there? I think the game has changed so much that it would be a huge risk for Arsenal.“
Sunderland Team News:
Fabio Borini left Carrow Road last weekend with an ice-pack on his shin following a hefty Andre Wisdom tackle which won Sunderland a penalty. Despite the potential leg-breaker, the Italian should be fine.
Sam Allardyce has the luxury of a fully fit squad after Jeremain Lens and Jack Rodwell returned to training. The pair missed out at Norwich after picking up knocks during the build-up to game week thirty-four.
The Black Cats could name an unchanged side for the third successive match.
Predicted XI: Mannone; van Aanholt, Kaboul, Kone, Yedlin; Cattermole, Khazri, M`Vila, Kirchhoff, Borini; Defoe.
Player to watch: Mannone
Will have to be at his best in the last line of defence
Arsenal Team News:
The Gunners came through Thursday night`s match without any major issues. Kieran Gibbs was an injury absentee against West Brom, but the full-back has returned to training following a minor back problem.
Jack Wilshere is ready to make his long awaited return and Arsene Wenger could include the England international in his match day squad for the first time since May, 2015.
Danny Welbeck is expected to return after being rested and Per Mertesacker should keep his place in the starting XI having replaced Gabriel.
Predicted XI: Cech; Monreal, Bellerin, Koscielny, Koscielny; Ramsey, Coquelin; Campbell, Ozil, Sanchez; Welbeck.
Player to watch: Sanchez
Hit both goals in the 2-0 win over West Brom last time out and has scored in the last four games.
Match Facts & Stats
Arsenal have beaten Sunderland 3-1 twice this season. With the same three scorers on each occasion: Campbell, Ramsey and Giroud.
Sunderland have won just two of their 23 matches v teams outside the Bottom Six.
Arsenal scored as many goals from outside the box on Thursday as they had in their 33 previous PL games (two).
Sunderland have scored each of their past 17 penalties in the Premier League, last missing one in December 2011.
Arsenal have now won 500 PL games, the second team to reach the milestone in the competition (Man United have 584 wins).
Sunderland have only spent three weeks outside the Bottom Three all season.
(According to The Metro)
Ref Watch:
Referee: Mike Dean
Assistant Referee’s: Simon Long, Mike Salisbury
Fourth Official: Mike Jones.
Match Prediction:
Maybe a draw? 1-1
Next Fixtures:
Sat 30th April – Stoke City (away)
