Arsenal vs. Sunderland: Preview and TV schedule

The league table would suggest that Arsenal should comfortably cruise to victory at home to Sunderland this weekend. The form book would tell you another story. The Gunners may only be a point off the top of the Premier League, but they've struggled for form in recent weeks, winning only once in their last four league games -- including an embarrassing 5-1 defeat to Liverpool.

Sunderland may currently be sitting inside the relegation zone, but the Black Cats' turnaround since Gus Poyet took charge has been highly impressive. They've got a game in hand on the sides around them, and would move three points clear of the bottom three with a victory. A more immediate concern is how they'll fare against Arsenal this weekend, where they'll look to improve upon a 2-0 loss to Hull City last time around.

They're helped by Arsenal's pretty lengthy injury list, with Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs among those still unavailable. Sunderland will be without Keiren Westwood and Wes Brown, though are hoping that Steven Fletcher and Carlos Cuéllar will shake off problems to make the matchday squad.

Out: Abou Diaby (knee), Theo Walcott (knee), Kieran Gibbs (hamstring), Kim Källström (back), Aaron Ramsey (thigh), Thomas Vermaelen (calf). In doubt: None.

Arsenal: Wojciech Szczęsny; Nacho Monreal, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Bacary Sagna; Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta; Santi Cazorla, Mesut Özil, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; Yaya Sanogo.

Sunderland: Vito Mannone; Marcos Alonso, Santiago Vergini, John O'Shea, Phil Bardsley; Jack Colback, Liam Bridcutt, Ki Sung-Yueng; Fabio Borini, Jozy Altidore, Adam Johnson.