The festive period is nearly upon us, which means Arsenal's annual injury crisis is well underway. The latest blow has been a double-whammy, with both Alexis Sánchez and Santi Cazorla looking set to be sidelined for a while. The former's injury is particularly frustrating; not only is Alexis the Gunners' most potent attacking threat, but his injury may well be the result of his being hurried back from a long Copa América campaign in the summer. Criticism of Arsène Wenger in this instance may be entirely justified.
Arsenal vs. Sunderland 2015 live stream: Game time, TV schedule and how to watch EPL online
An injury-ravaged Arsenal face a resurgent Sunderland at the Emirates on Saturday.
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And so, a considerably weakened Gunners will look to end a winless league run of three matches at home to a resurgent Sunderland on Saturday, with the game looking suspiciously like another big banana skin for the North Londoners. All three of the Black Cats' wins this season have come in the last five matches, with the appointment of Sam Allardyce already paying dividends. Sunderland will be confident of at least coming away with a point, if not all three.
Key player: Mesut Özil (Arsenal)
With many of his teammates falling around him, the onus is now on Mesut Özil to continue his excellent run of form and help Arsenal regain their momentum in spite of their ongoing injury crisis. The attacking midfielder is enjoying his best Premier League season to date, and has chipped in with 11 assists -- almost twice as many as anyone else in the division. Sunderland will have to try and starve him of the little space he needs to pick the decisive pass.
Key factor: Will Sunderland's defensiveness pay off?
Contain and counter will almost certainly be Sunderland’s approach to this match, with Allardyce likely to stick with the back three that has earned the Black Cats back-to-back league wins. It will have to be a showing of supreme discipline and concentration if they’re to hold onto their clean sheet, as the Gunners love nothing more than being given time on the ball.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Jack Wilshere (fibula fracture); Danny Welbeck, Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla, Tomáš Rosický (knee); Alexis Sánchez (hamstring). In doubt: Theo Walcott (calf); Laurent Koscielny (knock).
Sunderland injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Jermain Defoe (hamstring); Sebastian Larsson (knee); Jack Rodwell (knock).
Arsenal’s injury problems continue to worsen, with Cazorla and star Sánchez the latest additions. However, Wenger will be hoping to have Walcott and Koscielny back involved.
Sunderland are near the other end of the Premier League’s injury table, with no confirmed absentees. Even so, striker Defoe and midfielders Larsson and Rodwell both face late fitness tests.
Match date/time: Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. ET, 3 p.m. local
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
TV: Sportsnet Regional Networks (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US); Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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