Arsenal will look to move a step closer to guaranteeing themselves another season of Champions League football with a win away at struggling Sunderland on Sunday. Arsène Wenger's side recorded a win over West Bromwich Albion in midweek, moving them two points clear of fourth-placed Manchester City, and four clear of Manchester United. With only four games left in the season, they should be able to hold off the Red Devils' charge.
Sunderland vs. Arsenal 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch EPL online
Sunderland will hope to move out of the relegation zone with a win over Arsenal.
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However, Sunderland won't give them an easy game at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats have made a habit of surviving relegation in the most dramatic of fashions over the last few seasons, and find themselves a point adrift of Norwich City and safety heading into the weekend. Don't be surprised if they manage to pull off an upset in snatching a point or three.
Key player: Jermain Defoe (Sunderland)
Jermain Defoe may now by 33, but he’s still mroe than capable of hitting the back of the net in the Premier League. The former England international has netted a thoroughly impressive 13 goals in his first full season back from MLS, and there remain few finer finishers in England. If the Black Cats manage to pull themselves out of their current predicament, it’ll be in no small part thanks to Defoe’s smart signing.
Recent history
Sunderland have struggled against Arsenal over the last few seasons, and have lost all but one of their last seven meetings -- the only exception being a goalless draw at the Emirates last May. Not since an FA Cup clash in 2012 have the Black Cats downed the Gunners, and you’ve got to go back a further three years for the last time Sunderland won a league game against Arsenal.
Sunderland injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: None.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Santi Cazorla (knee); Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (leg). In doubt: None.
Sunderland coach Allardyce has the luxury of a full-strength squad to choose from. The same can’t be said for Wenger, though he’ll only be without midfielders Cazorla and Oxlade-Chamberlain, who are recovering from knee and leg injuries respectively.
Match date/time: Sunday, April 23, 9:05 a.m. ET, 2:05 p.m. local
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England
TV: NBCSN (US - English); Telemundo (US - Spanish); Sportsnet One (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US - English); NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (US - Spanish); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); Sky Go (UK)
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