SUNDERLAND v ARSENAL
Premier League
Stadium of Light, Saturday November 21st, 2009
Kick off 15.00GMT
Thank goodness for the Premier League. After the shock and trauma of Thierry Henry’s handball midweek, hopefully this weekend will bring an air of calm, familiarity and comfort back into the lives of football fans worldwide.
However, Arsenal could be facing down the barrel of a tough away fixture. Although Sunderland haven’t won in four games (stretching back almost a month), they have playing pretty solid football. Before that they beat Liverpool (courtesy of a beach ball), before that they drew at Old Trafford, and before that they beat Wolves 5-2.
Sunderland front men Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones (suspended for this game) have been in brilliant form so far this season and could cause the Arsenal defence a few problems. At the risk of reigniting a raging debate in Ireland about the ability and form of Andy Reid, the midfielder has been in terrific form and poses a huge threat to any team he confronts.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have had contrasting fortunes. They have won their last four games scoring an impressive 13 goals. However, while the Gunners have been virtually unstoppable going forward (they have scored in every game this season), their defence has been liable to leaking quite a few goals (just six clean sheets in 19 games). With the ability and form of Bent, Reid and Jones’ replacement Frazier Campbell to contend with, add in Steed Malbranque, and Arsenal’s rear guard will have a busy day. For Sunderland, attack is the best form of defence.
TEAM NEWS
Van Persie, Gibbs, Bendtner, Fabianski, Clichy and Djourou are all ruled out for Arsenal. Walcott returns after knee problems. Eduardo and Vela may be the starting strikers of choice for Wenger.
Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon is out for about three months with a broken arm so Marton Fulop will deputise. Kenwyne Jones and defender Michael Turner are both suspended while midfielder Cana returns from a ban. Mensah and Zenden are available for selection after minor injuries but Lee Cattermole is a long-term absentee.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Sunderland haven’t beaten Arsenal since 2002, and that was in the League Cup. Their last league victory over the Gunners came early in the 2000/2001 season when Niall Quinn scored the only goal of the game.
Historical data suggests an Arsenal win but with this game last season ending up in a draw, Wenger’s army may not have everything their own way.
VERDICT
Arsenal will have their work cut out here. Sunderland will be a difficult nut to crack and can pose Arsenal problems in attack. With both defences liable to leak goals, we can expect a flowing game. Arsenal are missing main striker Robin Van Persie and their forward play may suffer as a result. Expect a high-scoring draw.
RECOMMENDED
MATCH ODDS Draw 3.85 (BETFAIR)
CORRECT SCORE 2-2 18.0 (BETFAIR)
***Please bet responsibly. Only bet with money that you can afford to lose — not your food kitty or rent/mortgage***
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