Gunners Face Tough Test Against High-Flying Sunderland

Sunderland welcomes Arsenal to the Stadium of Light today as the Gunners look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal, currently leading the league by six points, are aiming for their tenth successive victory. However, Sunderland, who were promoted from the Championship over the summer, have enjoyed a productive start to the season, sitting fourth in the league.

Arsenal are looking to maintain their impressive defensive record, having kept eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. The last player to score against them was Newcastle's Nick Woltemade in late September.

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has confirmed that there were no fresh injuries from Monday night's draw with Everton. However, Omar Alderete remains sidelined with a concussion. Habib Diarra is expected to return from a groin injury before the end of the year, while Romain Mundle is working his way back from a hamstring issue. Ajibola Alese, Dennis Cirkin and Leo Hjelde are also out for the hosts.

For Arsenal, Viktor Gyökeres is still out with a hamstring injury. Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke are also unavailable, though there is hope that they will be fit for the north London derby against Tottenham after the international break. Gabriel Jesus is also not yet ready to feature. However, Martin Zubimendi is expected to return after suspension. In Gyökeres' absence, Mikel Merino is expected to lead the line.

Granit Xhaka will be reunited with his former club for the first time since leaving Arsenal in 2023.

Predicted Lineups:

• Sunderland: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Geertruida, Reinildo; Talbi, Sadiki, Xhaka, Le Fee; Isidor
• Arsenal: Not specified in the provided context.

Prediction:

Despite Sunderland's strong home form, Arsenal are expected to have enough quality to secure a 2-0 victory and maintain their clean sheet record.