Sunderland v Arsenal Preview

Posted on | February 11, 2012 | No Comments

Considering the standings of these two clubs earlier in the season, it seems amazing to see that just two places separate them in the table. As everyone expected, Martin O’Neill’s impact at Sunderland has been incredible and the Black Cats approach this encounter sat in 8th position. Arsenal on the other hand have experienced a truly dreadful season and the Gunners are in grave danger of not even achieving a European position as they occupy 6th.

Having battled amongst the bottom places for much of the campaign, the improvement Sunderland have made in recent months is phenomenal. With thirty three points to their name, it seems unlikely that they will achieve a top five position yet their supporters will not be bothered in the slightest after admiring O’Neill’s work so far. The Black Cats currently have some of the best form in the division, having won their last three games in all competitions. To add to that, O’Neill’s side have lost just one of their last eleven, while they currently possess a six game unbeaten record at home. All of these statistics should provide Sunderland’s supporters with a huge amount of confidence ahead of this game, as their side try to make up ground on Liverpool who are sat just one place above them.

It is rare for Arsene Wenger to come under any pressure, so it speaks volumes that his own supporters have been criticising many of his decisions in recent weeks. For many years Arsenal have at least put up a strong title challenge, but those times appear to be over and it will be a good achievement for the Gunners to even net a European position. With that being said, Wenger’s men do approach this fixture with some reasonable form having put together an unbeaten run of three games. The club will also be buoyed following a 7-1 win over Blackburn in their last match, however they have won just one of their last six away games which certainly doesn’t bode well for this encounter.

As for team news, Sunderland will be without Nicklas Bendtner who cannot play through ineligibility. However, Martin O’Neill will at least be able to call upon new loan signings Wayne Bridge and Sotirios Kyrgiakos, who are yet to make their full debut. Arsenal on the other hand do not have any fresh concerns, although Kieran Gibbs and Marouane Chamakh are both back in contention having recovered from their injuries.

The home and away form of these two sides suggests that Sunderland should be easy victors. However, with Arsenal winning so comfortably in their last game, we think they could be inspired to at least net a draw, with our prediction being a 2-2 score line.

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4. Liverpool vs Sunderland preview
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