Arsenal currently leads the Premier League by six points and enters the match following a midweek Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Chelsea. Sunderland sits in 8th place and is coming off a dominant 3-0 win against Burnley on Monday.
Both teams are managing significant absences for today's fixture:
- Arsenal: Bukayo Saka (hip) and Martin Ødegaard (muscle) are major doubts and likely to miss out, despite Mikel Arteta providing a positive outlook for their return in the coming days. Mikel Merino remains out long-term with a foot fracture. Jurrien Timber is fit and available after missing training earlier in the week.
- Sunderland: Captain Granit Xhaka is ruled out against his former club due to an ankle injury. The Black Cats are also without AFCON casualties Bertrand Traoré (knee) and Arthur Masuaku (ankle), both expected back in late February. New signing Nilson Angulo could be in contention to feature.
Match Context and Form
| Feature |
Arsenal F.C. |
Sunderland A.F.C. |
| League Position |
1st (53 pts) |
8th (33 pts) |
| Recent Form |
W-L-W-W-W (All Comps) |
W-D-D-L-W (All Comps) |
| Top Scorer |
Viktor Gyökeres (6 goals) |
Brian Brobbey (5 goals) |
| Last H2H |
2-2 Draw (Nov 8, 2025) |
2-2 Draw (Nov 8, 2025) |
- Last Meeting: The teams played out a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light in November 2025, where Brian Brobbey scored a 93rd-minute equalizer for Sunderland.
- Historical Edge: Sunderland has not won a league match away at Arsenal since 1983.
- Broadcast Info: In the UK, the match falls under the 3pm Saturday blackout and will not be televised live; however, highlights will be available on the Sky Sports app from 17:15 GMT and on BBC's Match of the Day at 22:25 GMT.
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