The Premier League returns with a compelling clash as Arsenal welcome Sunderland to the Emirates Stadium on February 7th (23:00 GMT). Here’s a data – driven breakdown of what to expect.
1. Form, Injuries, and Key Storylines
Arsenal (Home Team)
- Historical Dominance at Home: Arsenal are unbeaten in 43 homePremier League matches against newly – promoted sides. This is a record they share for the most such games without defeat, so Sunderland’s recent Championship promotion puts them at a historical disadvantage here.
- Injury Updates: There’s positive news for Arsenal as they could have three first – team core players back(one from each of the defensive, midfield, or attack lines) for this game. However, long – term absentee Bukayo Saka remains out, and midfielder Mikel Merino is still on the sidelines.
- Recent Form & Schedule: After a 3 – match winless run in January, Arsenal bounced back with a 4 – 2 league win over Fulham and a Carabao Cup final appearance. Although they have back – to – back games in under 4 days, the home game gives them a key rest advantage as they have one fewer rest day than Sunderland before this match.
Sunderland (Away Team)
- Away Struggles, But Glimmers of Hope: Sunderland have struggled for away wins, with only 1 league victory so far. But they’ve shown resilience by earning points against Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and even beating Chelseaaway from home. This shows they can compete against top – tier teams despite their overall league difficulties.
- Injury Concerns: Similar to Arsenal, Sunderland also face key absentees. Wide forward (边锋) Bukayo Saka (note: he plays for Arsenal, but this is about Sunderland’s issues) is out. For Sunderland, midfielders Mikel Merino (again, an Arsenal player, here it’s about Sunderland’s own missing players) are out, along with their own key players Granit Xhaka and Bertrand Traoré.
- Mental Edge? Sunderland’s performances in cup competitions and their big – name victories prove they can rise to the occasion. But maintaining consistency in the league, especially on the road, is still a challenge.
2. Head – to – Head: Arsenal’s Home Advantage Reigns
Over the past 18 leagueencounters between these two sides at Arsenal’s home ground, the Gunners have not lost a single game. This long unbeaten streak emphasizes just how dominant Arsenal have been against Sunderland in home fixtures, even when the Black Cats were competing in the Championship.
3. Prediction: Arsenal to Win, But Sunderland Won’t Go Quietly
Considering Arsenal’s strong home form against newly – promoted teams, their historical edge in this fixture, and the return of some key squad members, they are clear favorites. However, Sunderland’s ability to cause upsets, as seen in their win over Chelsea, means they will put up a fight and look to score. A high – scoring game seems probable, with Arsenal coming out on top.
Predicted Scoreline: Arsenal 3 – 2 Sunderland
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