Arsenal v Sunderland preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

• Arsenal to win and under 3.5 goals

• Arsenal over 5.5 corners 

Arsenal enter this fixture with significant momentum after a week that could define their season. 

Following a minor stumble of three matches without a win, Mikel Arteta oversaw a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Leeds United. 

This victory, coupled with dropped points from Manchester City and Aston Villa, has left the Gunners six points clear at the top with 53 points from 24 matches. 

A hard-fought 1-0 win against Chelsea on Tuesday has also secured their place in the Carabao Cup final, keeping dreams of a quadruple alive.

History suggests the hosts are overwhelming favourites this weekend, as Arsenal are currently on a 43-match unbeaten home run against newly-promoted sides (W38, D5), which equals the all-time Premier League record. 

They have not failed to win three consecutive home league games since May 2023, and with the chance to move nine points clear before their rivals play, the stakes are incredibly high.

Sunderland, however, arrive in North London as the "surprise package" of the 2025-2026 campaign. 

Currently sitting in 8th place with 36 points, Régis Le Bris has built a side that is remarkably difficult to break down. The Black Cats have lost only two of their last nine league outings and recently dispatched Burnley 3-0. 

While their home form is their primary strength, they have already secured points against Liverpool and Tottenham this season.

The main obstacle for the visitors remains their travel record, as Sunderland have failed to win any of their last seven away league games (D3, L4). 

If they are to upset the leaders, they must find a way to improve a scoring record that has seen them net only three times in those seven road trips.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 13 meetings with Sunderland across all competitions (W9, D4), with the Black Cats having not tasted a league victory away at the Gunners since 1983, a run spanning 18 matches (D5, L13).

In the reverse fixture this season, the two sides played out a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light earlier this season.

Arsenal continue to navigate a growing injury list, with Mikel Merino (foot) and Bukayo Saka (hip) are officially ruled out. 

However, there is optimism that captain Martin Odegaard will return to the starting eleven after missing the midweek cup tie with a minor "niggle". Youngster Max Dowman is also nearing a return from an ankle problem.

Sunderland face a significant blow as club captain and former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is sidelined with an ankle injury. 

He is joined in the treatment room by Bertrand Traore (knee) and January arrival Jocelin Ta Bi (ankle), neither of whom are expected to feature this weekend.

Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Havertz, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Trossard

Sunderland: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Mandava; Le Fee, Diarra, Sadiki, Talbi; Brobbey

While Sunderland are resilient and will likely employ a compact five-man defensive line, the creative absence of Xhaka may leave them too isolated on the counter-attack. Expect the Gunners to maintain their professional form as they march toward the title.

Correct score prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland