Preview: Sunderland vs. Arsenal

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 09 February 2012

Arsenal face a difficult battle against high-flying Sunderland when they go head to head at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Arsenal face a tough test against Martin O'Neill's Sunderland side when they travel to the Stadium of Light this Saturday.

The Gunners will be buoyed by their emphatic 7-1 win over Blackburn Rovers last week, while the Black Cats have fared well in the Premier League since O'Neill's arrival.

While the former Aston Villa boss is expected to make some changes to the side that defeated Middlesbrough 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round in midweek, the defensive line is expected to remain with John O'Shea and Michael Turner.

Stephane Sessegnon should start the match if he recovers from a slight knock he picked up at the Riverside Stadium. However, Conor Wickham could be called up if O'Neill decides to rest the player.

Despite Kieran Gibbs closing in on first-team action, the Englishman could face a spot on the bench, while manager Arsene Wenger is likely to rely on Robin van Persie up front, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set to start following his brace against Blackburn.

Current form:

Sunderland: WWLWWW
Arsenal: WLLLDW

Possible lineups:

Sunderland: Mignolet; Bardsley, O'Shea, Turner, Richardson; Larsson, Meyler, Gardner, McClean; Sessegnon, Campbell

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen; Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott; Van Persie

Sports Mole says: 1-1