Sunderland head into the weekend looking to bounce back from last weekend's 8-0 humiliation at the hands of Southampton, though unfortunately for Gus Poyet's side, they face a tough fixture against Arsène Wenger's Arsenal. It has been almost five years since the last time Sunderland beat the Gunners in the Premier League, and they're unlikely to change that this weekend.
Sunderland vs. Arsenal live stream: How to watch the EPL online
Sunderland host Arsenal on Saturday on the back of shipping eight against Southampton.
Richard Heathcote
However, they will be able to take some heart from Arsenal's rocky start to the season, with the Gunners failing to impress despite spending pretty big in the summer. The Gunners have won just a couple of their opening eight Premier League matches, and find themselves down in seventh place. For the umpteenth time in his tenure, Wenger finds himself under pressure.
Key player - Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
When Aaron Ramsey is missing, Arsenal are a much worse team. The Welsh midfielder adds a dynamism and a directness sadly so often absent from the possession-based approach favoured by Arsène Wenger. Ramsey is expected to be given the nod from the off against Sunderland, and that could well make all of the difference.
Key matchup - Sunderland's defence vs. themselves
Against Southampton, Sunderland’s defence completely imploded. From terrible collective mistakes to comedic own goals, everything that could have gone wrong, did go wrong. If they play as badly against Arsenal this weekend, the margin of defeat would be even more embarrassing. For the sake of a competitive game, let’s hope they’re back to something like normal.
Sunderland injuries and suspensions
Out: Ricky Álvarez (knee), Emanuele Giaccherini (ankle), Billy Jones (hamstring), Sebastián Coates (thigh). In doubt: None.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: David Ospina (thigh), Mesut Özil (knee), Laurent Koscielny (achilles), Yaya Sanogo (hamstring), Mathieu Debuchy (ankle), Olivier Giroud (tibia), Jack Wilshere (suspended). In doubt: Serge Gnabry, Theo Walcott (knee).
Sunderland will still be without attackers Ricky Álvarez and Emanuele Giaccherini and defenders Billy Jones and Sebastián Coates, but veteran full-back Anthony Réveillère could be involved after signing a short-term deal at the Stadium of Light. Arsenal still have several important first-teamers unavailable, including the suspended Jack Wilshere.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England
TV: NBC Live Extra, Mun2 (U.S.), RDS, TSN4 (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo (U.S. - Spanish)
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