Sunderland welcome Arsenal to the Stadium of Light on Saturday 8 November 2025, kick-off at 17:30 GMT.
Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League table, six points clear of Manchester City, and will view this as another step in their title push.
Meanwhile, newly-promoted Sunderland have made an impressive start, particularly at home, and will be determined to make life difficult for the visitors.
Form & context
Sunderland remain undefeated at home in the Premier League so far, with a mix of wins and draws.
They’ve scored in each of their home games this season, showing attacking intent at the Stadium of Light.
Their defensive record is respectable: at home they’ve been conceding under 1 goal per game in recent matches.
One big narrative involves captain Granit Xhaka, who a former Arsenal player – this adds a personal edge to the fixture.
However, the Gunners are in superb form at present, sweeping all bar Liverpool aside so far, and five Premier League wins in a row have pushed them clear.
Key battles & talking points
Sunderland will aim to use the energy of their home crowd and their solid recent form to unsettle Arsenal. Xhaka’s experience is crucial for them.
Arsenal’s defensive record means Sunderland must be efficient with any chances they create; the visitors will look to dominate possession and suffocate chances.
The absence of Gyokeres may slightly blunt Arsenal’s physical threat up front, but their other attacking options remain potent.
Sunderland have scored in all home outings, so Arsenal’s clean-sheet record will be tested. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s consistent wins and defence make them strong favourites.
Arsenal team news
Arsenal are without striker Viktor Gyokeres again, so Mikel Merino is likely deputise up top once more.
Although Gabriel Jesus is back in training, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be thrown into the mix immediately.
Martin Zubimendi is back from suspension, but centre-half Gabriel is likely to miss out.
Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke are all still missing.
Arsenal predicted starting XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard
Gazette result prediction
Sunderland certainly have what it takes to get something from the Arsenal game, and they will certainly fancy their chances.
However, we feel the Gunners have just a bit too much quality and fitness to drop any points.
The home side will create opportunities, but Arsenal’s defence and consistency should see them through.
Prediction: Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
