Arsenal at Sunderland match thread: tricky traveling test

Arsenal travel to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland on Premier League MD4. The Gunners owe the Black Cats one from last season. Regis Le Bris' side pegged 'em back in the 94th minute to snatch a draw. Ultimately, it didn't matter — Arsenal still won the league — but I'd bet the lads remember those dropped points and are eager to avoid the same result today.

The Gunners have four matches remaining before the international break, three in the Premier League and in the League Cup against Ipswich this Tuesday. It's important to maintain the momentum and keep pace / set the standard atop the table. Sunderland haven't had the bright start to the season like they did last year. They're in the midst of a tough stretch of matches — Arsenal today, Europa League campaign midweek, at Manchester City next weekend. They'll be particularly motivated to get things moving in the right direction.

I suspect the Black Cats will be a stern test for the Gunners. But Arsenal are no slouches, either. They've been playing really, really well lately. If they keep up their recent form, someone is going to be on the wrong end of a gaudy scoreline. Maybe it'll be today!

Jurrien Timber returns to the bench for Arsenal today after missing the World Cup and start of the season with a the groin injury that plagued him at the end of last season. Cristhian Mosquera is still out with the minor muscle issue that forced him off against Aston Villa but has at least returned to training. William Saliba remains out for a while recovering from his back injury.

Sunderland will be without Romaine Mundle , who isn't expected back until December and Habib Diarra , who may return next month.

Arsenal – Raya, White, Konsa , Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Tzolis , Saka , Havertz

Sunderland – Roefs , Meunier , Mukiele , Ballard, Danso , Reinildo , Xhaka , Sadiki , Le Fee, Angulo , Brobbey

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