Sunderland V Arsenal

Kick-off: Saturday 21st November – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The Stadium of Light

Sunderland

League Position: 8th

Recent Form: DWLDL

This game has the makings to be a real thriller in Manilla, wherever that may be. Sunderland’s offence, I’m starting to sound like an American football commentator with that word, has come on leaps and bounds this season and is by far and away the area where Sunderland have improved the most this season. The arrival of Darren Bent has not only brought about more goals but also added some spice and excitement to the Sunderland fans, especially when playing at home. We’re hoping his early season form will bring about a tremendous atmosphere at the Stadium of Light this weekend.

To their credit, Sunderland have lost just one of three matches against the big four teams this season. Chelsea were the only side to beat Sunderland thus far, that coming in the form of a 3-1 win in which Sunderland actually took the lead, albeit losing 3-1 in the end. They were mere seconds away from an historic win at Old Trafford against Manchester United, eventually settling for a 2-2 draw, while they did get the better of Liverpool, by virtue of a beach ball, though. Nevertheless, Sunderland’s performances against the big boys this season has been outstanding, with a record of 1-1-1 thus far.

An in form Darren Bent has been the main reason why Sunderland have enjoyed a successful start to the campaign but he failed to make much of an impression last week in an international against Brazil with England. However, that shouldn’t hinder his confidence, after all, the former Spurs striker has eight league goals to his name this season, just two shy of Fernando Torres, a £25 Million pound striker.

Sunderland can score goals, we have established that, but their defence is still in need of a makeover. At The Stadium of Light, Liverpool have been the only visitors that have failed to break through the Black Cat rearguard. The likes of West Ham & Wolves, two teams near the foot of the table, have managed to score twice on Sunderland turf so the alarm bells will have already rung with the boss, Steve Bruce.

Arsenal

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: WWDWW

Arsenal are back to their clinical and attractive best it would seem as they aim to extend their rich vein of form with a vital win at Sunderland, at a venue where they could only manage a 1-1 draw last season. However, they do have form on their side after going seven matches without defeat, consisting of six wins and one draw, while their football at times has been breath taking. We’ve said for a few weeks now that Arsenal are the team to beat at present, regardless of Chelsea topping the table, and we think they’re a good bet to claim all three points in what will be a tough fixture.

Arsene Wenger suffered a huge blow in midweek with the news that Robin Van Persie will be out for anywhere around six weeks after rupturing ankle ligaments. The Dutch international suffered the injury while on international duty and it will be a big test of this young Arsenal side in how they cope without a player who has scored seven goals in his last eleven appearances. Not only that but now the Gunners are without one of their sparks in the attacking third, a pivotal play maker, and with Nicklas Bendtner injured, Wenger could be left with no alternative but to play Eduardo up front all on his lonesome.

The absence of Van Persie is a big blow but we still feel Arsenal will have far too much to get through this game. They will, however, have to show some fighting qualities as the job at hand has now been made a whole lot harder without Van Persie’s on-pitch presence. Even with that said, Arsenal have been in a rich vein of form, scoring eighteen goals in their last five league games. They will also be buoyed by their four goal haul away at Wolves in their last game before the break so confidence within the Arsenal dressing will still be fairly high

Arsenal’s away record thus far stands at 3-1-2, with the defeats coming in a back-to-back fashion against both Manchester outfits, back in early September. Those defeats have long been forgotten, though, with Arsenal remaining unbeaten on the road ever since, recording two wins at Fulham (0-1) & Wolves (1-4). The draw was with West Ham (2-2) but Arsenal should have won that game were it not for a distinct lack of concentration, although, a big concern is the fact that Van Persie scored in two of those three matches so perhaps we are underestimating the cost of his absence.

Head-to-Head:

Sunderland W: 0 Arsenal W: 7 Draws: 3

Arsenal have domineered past meetings between the two and have taken a firm hold on the head-to-head count, winning seven of the previous ten meetings between the two. At The Stadium of Light, Sunderland did hold the Gunners to a 1-1 draw last season, but Arsenal previously won the three before, all with Sunderland failing to score.

If you are a goal backer then this might not be the best of games to be lumping on. Sunderland tend to struggle to score against the Gunners, while whenever there has been a few goals, they have generally come for the travelling Gunners.

Sunderland’s last league success over Arsenal came nine years ago when they beat Arsenal 1-0 at home. Arsenal have since gone on to remain unbeaten against the Black Cats.

Match Verdict:- Arsenal to WIN – 1.62 Bet365

This will be a true test of character for this young and, in places, inexperienced Arsenal team. Arsene Wenger has become all too familiar with injuries, though, to his best players, with Rosicky, Nasri, Bendtner & even Fabregas, all suffering knocks this season. However, they have yet to be tested without arguably their most creative player of them all – Robin Van Persie, although some will contest that statement. Edaurdo has only recently returned to training after injury so there will be slight concerns over his fitness levels but his natural pace and agility should aid the Arsenal midfield in creating plenty of chances against a Sunderland back four which hasn’t been at all convincing thus far. Sunderland’s best chance of sneaking a result will be to attack at every given opportunity. They longer they spend in Arsenal’s half, the less time Arsenal are in theirs.

Match Odds:

Sunderland – 6.00 PaddyPower

Draw – 3.80 VCbet

Arsenal – 1.62 Bet365

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Cesc Fabregas Anytime Goalscorer – 3.50 Expekt

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Full-Time: Sunderland 1-0 Arsenal

Goalscorer(s): Darren Bent (Sunderland)