Sunderland will take on Arsenal on Saturday, 8 November, in a match between first and fourth in the Premier League.
The Black Cats have surpassed all expectations so far this season, but they face their toughest test yet on Saturday against a team that many people are labelling as the best in Europe.
As part of this week's round of Premier League betting tips, check out our Sunderland vs Arsenal prediction below.
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Sunderland vs Arsenal prediction: A routine win for the Gunners
Key Stats
- Arsenal have conceded just three goals in all competitions so far this season.
- Arsenal have won their last four Premier League matches to nil.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in six of Sunderland's last seven matches.
Correct score prediction: Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal have looked almost robotic over the past month, to the point where it would now almost be a shock if David Raya was forced into a proper save. The Gunners should have too much strength all over the pitch for Sunderland.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Arsenal are big favourites
- HOME: 7/1 (8.00) – 12.5%
- DRAW: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
- AWAY: 2/5 (1.40) – 71.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Sunderland vs Arsenal odds are as expected, with Arsenal priced as the overwhelming favourites by all top bookmakers. Ladbrokes have given the Gunners a 71.4% chance of winning the match, while Sunderland have been given just a 12.5% chance of picking up a famous victory at the Stadium of Light.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Arsenal dominance
Arsenal have a dominant record against Sunderland, and are unbeaten in their last 12 meetings with the Black Cats. Of those 12 matches, nine were won by Arsenal while three were drawn. In fairness to Sunderland, they haven't played the Gunners in a league match since 2017, and a lot has changed in the past eight years.
England EFL Cup 21/12/21
Arsenal
Sunderland
England Premier League 16/05/17
Arsenal
Sunderland
England Premier League 29/10/16
Sunderland
Arsenal
England Premier League 24/04/16
Sunderland
Arsenal
England FA Cup 09/01/16
Arsenal
Sunderland
Sunderland preview: The focus is on Xhaka
Sunderland are expected to be without Omar Alderete on Saturday, with the South American still struggling with a head injury. If Alderete doesn't recover, then he will join Dennis Cirkin, Aji Alese, Romaine Mundle, Habib Diarra and Leo Fuhr Helde in the treatment room. All eyes will be on Granix Xhaka as he reunites with his former employers.
Predicted lineup: Roefs (GK), Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Geertruida, Reinildo, Sadiki, Xhaka, Traore, Isidor, Le Fee
Last five results
- Sunderland 1-1 Everton
- Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland
- Sunderland 2-0 Wolves
- Man Utd 2-0 Sunderland
- Nottingham Forest 0-1 Sunderland
Arsenal preview: No Gyokeres
Arsenal will be without Viktor Gyokeres on Saturday, but the Swedish striker will do everything he can to be fit for the North London Derby immediately after the November international break. Martin Zubimendi could return, though, after missing the match against Slavia Prague in the week.
Predicted lineup: Raya (GK), Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Merino, Trossard
Last five results
- Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal
- Burnley 0-2 Arsenal
- Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
- Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
- Arsenal 4-0 Atletico Madrid
Player to watch: Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino will fill in at centre forward for Arsenal on Saturday, and in fairness to the former Real Sociedad man, he has rarely let the Gunners down. On Tuesday night, Merino netted twice as Arsenal defeated Slavia Prague, and it wouldn't shock anyone if he found the back of the net again on Saturday.