Arteta to make 4 changes | Predicted Arsenal XI vs Sunderland as Havertz & Calafiori return
Arsenal entertain Sunderland in today’s Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners returned to winning ways in the league last weekend with a 4-0 rout of Leeds United at Elland Road.
The club are now six points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the table and seven in front of Aston Villa.
Mikel Arteta’s side could extend their gap further with a victory over the Black Cats this afternoon.
Arsenal shared the spoils after a late Brian Brobbey equaliser at the Stadium of Light in the reverse fixture (2-2).
They will be eyeing a win over the Black Cats this time to boost their league title hopes.
Arteta could make four changes for the game.
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya has kept 12 clean sheets in the Premier League season. He will be eyeing another shutout against the Black Cats. He is poised to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga, who started between the sticks in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
The defence could witness one change from midweek. Piero Hincapie could be replaced by Riccardo Calafiori at left-back. The Italian could make his first league start since recovering from a muscle issue sustained in late December. Calafiori was ever-present in the league at left-back before his injury.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are expected to continue in the heart of the backline. The same can be said about Jurrien Timber at right-back. The Dutchman was absent from Thursday’s open training session, but Arteta has confirmed that he is available to face the Black Cats.
Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice are assured starters in the centre of the park, but there could be a change in the attacking midfield slot. Eberechi Eze was far from his best against Chelsea. He won just two duels and did not complete a dribble. The Englishman did not provide much creativity.
We anticipate Kai Havertz to replace him, with Martin Odegaard still nursing a minor injury. Havertz has two goals and an assist since returning to the starting XI last month. The German came on as a striker to score a dramatic winner over Chelsea in midweek. He could play in a deeper role today.
In the final third, Noni Madueke is guaranteed to start on the right wing with Bukayo Saka ruled out with a hip problem. Madueke was brilliant against Leeds with a goal and an assist – his first goal contributions for the Gunners in the league.
Viktor Gyokeres’ physical presence is required against Sunderland’s strong central defensive duo of Omar Alderete and Dan Ballard. The Swede’s absence was felt during the reverse fixture, when Ballard had the luxury of pressing forward regularly.
On the left wing, it could be a straight swap with Leandro Trossard coming in for Gabriel Martinelli. Sunderland are likely to play with a low-block defence. Trossard is perfectly suited for such situations with his clever dribbling and ability to provide key passes.
How Arsenal could line up vs Sunderland today
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
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