All you need to know ahead of the Saturday lunchtime Premier League clash from the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
To say that David Moyes has endured a difficult start to life in the Sunderland hotseat would be something of an understatement. No wins in the first nine league matches – for the second consecutive season – means the Black Cats go into the weekend propping up the rest of the Premier League.
With all that in mind, a visit from high-flying Arsenal may not be what the doctor ordered. The Gunners dropped points against north-east opposition last week as Middlesbrough claimed a point at the Emirates, but Arsene Wenger’s side have not lost since the opening day and have the incentive of going top – for a few hours at least – if they avoid defeat at the Stadium of Light.
Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil celebrates
The Key Battle – Jack Rodwell vs Mesut Ozil
Rodwell has become a bad luck charm for Sunderland – the former Manchester City midfielder has now started 32 matches for the Wearside club without winning any of them.
The 25-year-old is in for a stern test against the in-form Mesut Ozil, whose sparkling recent performances have made him a standout figure in Arsenal’s strong start.
Sunderland’s Jack Rodwell looks dejected after the match
Last Meeting:
Sunderland picked up a vital point when these two sides last faced each other, with April’s goalless draw at the Stadium of Light boosting their survival chances as well as damaging Arsenal’s title prospects.
The overall picture is less positive for the hosts, however; they last beat the Gunners in 2012, which is their only victory in the last 15 matches between the two clubs.
Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny in action with Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe
Recent league form – most recent last:
Sunderland – LLLDLL
Arsenal – WWWWWD
Who’s the ref?
Fresh from overseeing Chelsea’s thumping of Manchester United last weekend, Martin Atkinson will be in charge at the Stadium of Light.
The match at Stamford Bridge was the 45-year-old’s tenth game of the season, over the course of which he has shown 35 yellow cards and one red.
What time is kick off?
Kick off in the north-east is at 12.30pm.
Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports 1 have live coverage of this clash, with their build-up starting at 11.30am.
Odds
Sunderland – 13/2
Draw – 19/5
Arsenal – 2/5
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