World Cup star Asamoah Gyan is set to make his debut against Arsenal as Sunderland host the Gunners at the Stadium of Light. The Ghanian striker came on at half-time last weekend against Wigan and will join Darren Bent for this match in the attack. Last season's fixture saw the Black Cats upsetting Arsenal 1-0 on home ground, giving hope for a repeat this Saturday.
Arsenal will be over the moon after their 6-0 defeat of Sporting Braga showed the team's cohesive passing and defensive prowess. The absence of Robin van Persie has apparently not taken the teeth out of Arsene Wenger's attacking play. The rowdy fans will certainly help Sunderland be at their physical best, but the Gunners will counter with confidence built from the midweek Champions League fixture.
English Premier League, Round 5: Sunderland FC vs. Arsenal FC
Date: 18 September, 2010 - 18:30 CET
Venue: Stadium of Light - Sunderland
Referee: Phil Dowd
Sunderland:
Goalkeeper: Mignolet
Defenders: Ferdinand, Onuoha, Bramble, Richardson
Midfielders: Malbranque, Elmohamady, Henderson, Welbeck
Forwards: Gyan, Bent
Manager: Steve Bruce
Injured: Campbell, Gordon, Meyler, McCartney
Booked: -
Arsenal:
Keeper: Almunia
Defenders: Sagna, Squillaci, Clichy, Koscielny
Midfielders: Wilshere, Fabregas, Song, Rosicky
Forwards: Arshavin, Chamakh
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Injured: Van Persie, Diaby, Walcott, Ramsey
Booked: -
Weather Forecast/Conditions
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Overall:
Few ShowersTemperature: 13°
Chance/Precipitation: 30%
Humidity: 75%
Last meeting: 20.02.10 Arsenal - Sunderland 2:0
Wins Arsenal: 48
Wins Sunderland: 44
Draws: 35
After watching Arsenal play this midweek, it is hard to see how Sunderland will be able to stop them, home advantage or not. However, with the introduction of a new striker and the belief that they can win this, Sunderland will be ready to attack the London giants. I expect Arsenal to play well, but also at least 3 goals to be scored.
Tip: Arsenal to win (1x2), Over +2.5 goals
Currently the best odds for this result can be found at
Betfair.
