Arsenal faced a very tough run of games and the consequences could be momentous. After dropping points against Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premiership, the Gunners lost 2-1 in the Champions League against Portuguese club FC Porto.
Arsenal are likely out of the Premiership champions race and will face a difficult task in overturing a 2-1 deficit in the return leg against
Porto. Captain Cesc Fabregas said the goals conceded against Porto were "Schoolboy goals", and this may be a further indication of his desire to leave the English club for Real Madrid. An easier match against Sunderland may be exactly what the Gunners need to boost morale and get the team back on the right track. Striker
Eduardo could return to action for this match, but Gibbs, Djourou and Van Persie remain on the sidelines. Arsene Wenger will hold nothing back at the Emirates and will hope his team's good home form will continue against the Black Cats.
Sunderland have not managed a win in the Premiership since last time they faced Arsenal in November. The Black Cats drawn 3 straight matches and have not managed a win in 12 games since this surprising upset. After being unable to hold onto the lead against bottom feeders Portsmouth,
Steve Bruce saw his side drop to just 3 points above the relegation zone. Arsenal's strong attack should open up things for Sunderland here, and they have a few very capable strikers who could exploit the counterattack. Lee Cattermole will be suspended from this match and Andy Reid and Jordan Henderson remain injury problems. Several players have improved in their fitness and either Anton Ferdinand, John Mensah, Frazier Campbell and Kieran Richardson could make a return in this match.
Wenger will be desperate to get his team's morale up after a difficult period of losses against tough opposition. He will deploy a strong attacking formation, so expect the Gunners to be leading by halftime. With the open space created by
Arsenal's attack, it is very possible that Sunderland will sneak one past the Gunner's defense.
Arsenal F.C. vs Sunderland F.C.
Saturday February 20, 2010
Kickoff: 4:00 PM (CET)
Venue: Emirates Stadium (London)
Tip: Over 2.5 Goals
Best Odds: 1.55 @ Interwetten
