EPL Match Day 28: Arsenal v Sunderland: Match Preview

You’d have to forgive some Arsenal fans as well as members of the media if they were overlooking this match up and looking to Tuesday’s Champion’s League tie at the Nou Camp. Hopefully that long range vision isn’t affecting the players and manager, as Arsenal get set to take on Steve Bruce’s Sunderland, in a match up that has title implications.

Let’s simply lay this out for you – all the permeatations that could take place. First if Arsenal win and United lose to Liverpool on Sunday the race is a one point race with United having played on game more. Race on – oh yeah. If Arsenal draw and United lose or draw. All is pretty much the same as it is going into the Sunderland match, except again Arsenal have a match in hand. If Arsenal lose and United lose, there are other things to worry about like a surging Chelsea. If Arsenal lose and United win, while it mathmatically wouldn’t mean the end to the Gunner’s title run it – but it would make it harder.

What else is going to make this harder is the absence of 4 key players. Theo Walcott is still recovering from his sprained ankle. Both Alex Song and Cesc Fabregas while out of this match should be back in time for the match against Barcelona. And Robin Van Persie begins his second stint in the trainer’s room, with a hyper-extended knee. All-in-all that’s some fire power to be missing. Especially Van Persie who has absolutely torn up the league since his return.

There is a “however” to all of this though. First, the Gunners are still strong enough to play in this match and win. With the likes of Wilshere, Arshavin, and Nasri in the squad as well as their defencive stalwarts, this is hardly the “B” team that has a hard time getting its engine going. Additionally, they are facing a squad that is actually more depleted than themselves and is on a run of 4 matches lost. Also a major bonus to the Gunners is the return of Aaron Ramsey who is already slotted in to be a sub in this match. Should he take the pitch it will be his first time since the horrific injury last season against Stoke.

The match is worrying in that Sunderland are a well coached team and are in the hunt for Europe themselves. Steve Bruce always has his team prepared and the matches against any of the big clubs are always well played contests. There is a lot to play for the Blackcats. If they were to lose to Arsenal, their next fixtures are against Liverpool and Man City. They could conceivably lose them all and have their worst run since they were relegated at the end of the 2006 season.

All this really means is that it still stands that this will be match similar to all the recent ties against them. In the last 5 meetings the Gunners have managed 1 W 3 D and 1L. Hardly a record that inspires confidence but does go to show how good the side from Sunderland are managed.  But the Gunners are on an impressive run having not lost in their last 10 matches and being the best team in the league in the 4 matches played in February.

All in all it sets up nicely for the Gunners. It just depends on how badly they want, and whether or not they can stop thinking about Tuesday or not.

How the Match Should Play Out:
I suspect Steve Bruce will not set up shop and park the bus at the Emirates. He has a good side even thought they are struggling at the moment. Their success in London this season is very good having beat Chelsea, and drawing against Spurs and Fulham.  Look for them to play their game which will favor the Gunners. Again the early goal is key, the longer the Gunners let their opponents hang around the more likely of a snatched result comes to mind. The Gunners will attack early and often. Snatch two goals in the first half and allow a Sunderland consellation in the 2nd.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Nicklas Bendtner. With Van Persie out, it is time for the Dane to put his boot where his mouth his. He certainly talks a good game but he now needs to play a good game. If he wants to be taken seriously but the pundits and by a large majority of the fans he now is going to get a chance to silence his critics. Carry the team Nicklas and the fans will love you.

Sunderland: Asamoah Gyan. Probably the best buy of the season. Sunderland broke their bank for them and it has returned dividends in the result o f goals. So comfortbale did they feel with Gyan that they let Darren Bent (- he of Giant killer fame), leave.  Djourou and Koosh will have their hands on with this beast.

Probable Starting XI:

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Fabregas (hamstring) Song (knee) Van Persie (knee) Walcott (ankle) Fabianski (shoulder) Frimpong (knee), Vermaelen (Achilles)

Sunderland: Onouha (calf) Campbell (knee) Gordon (knee) Meyler (knee) Turner (knee) Cattermole (back) Wellbeck (hamstring) Zenden (calf)

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Van Persie 14 (10 league) Nasri 14 (9 league) Chamakh 11 (7 league)   Walcott 9  (6 league)

Sunderland: Gyan 10 (9 league) Wellbeck 6 (6 league)

Last Meeting: (EPL)
Arsenal: 1

Sunderland: 1

Goals For:
Arsenal: 2.1(home)

Sunderland: 1.1 (away)

Goals Against:
Arsenal: 0.9 (home)

Sunderland: 1.5 (away)

Last Five:
Arsenal: WWDWW

Sunderland: WLLLL

Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 30

Sunderland: -2

Match Officials:
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistant referees: Dave Bryan & Andy Garratt
Fourth official: Peter Walton

Broadcast Information:
US: FSC 10:00AM EST

UK: Unknown

GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!
www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

Sunderland:  1

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