Premier League leaders Arsenal travel to the Stadium of Light today for one of their toughest tests of the season. They face a high-flying Sunderland side, who have been the league’s surprise package.
Furthermore, the Gunners arrive in formidable shape, currently on a ten-match winning streak in all competitions. Meanwhile, the newly-promoted Black Cats remain unbeaten at home this season. This sets the stage for a compelling top-four clash.
Sunderland vs Arsenal – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 8 November 2025
- Kick-off: 5:30 pm GMT
- Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
- Referee: Craig Pawson
- VAR: James Bell
- Last Meeting: Arsenal 5-1 Sunderland, 21 December 2021, EFL Cup
Team News
Sunderland
Sunderland will be led by former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka. He heads into this game having scored his first League goal for the club on Monday. However, manager Régis Le Bris faces significant defensive issues. Key centre-back Omar Alderete is definitively ruled out as he follows concussion protocols. In addition, Habib Diarra, Aji Alese, and Dennis Cirkin are also unavailable through injury.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s squad is stretched thin by a major injury crisis, especially in attack. Unfortunately, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli are both out. This compounds the absence of long-term absentees Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus. On a positive note, however, midfielder Martin Zubimendi is available again. He returns after serving his Champions League suspension.
Form Guide
Sunderland
The Black Cats have been the Premier League’s surprise package. They currently sit sixth in the table. Their 1-1 draw with Everton on Monday extended their impressive unbeaten home record. In fact, they have lost just one of their last eight league matches. As a result, they are establishing themselves as genuine contenders for a European place.
Arsenal
The Gunners are in imperious form. Impressively, they have won their last ten matches in all competitions. Crucially, they have also kept eight consecutive clean sheets during this run. Their 3-0 win at Slavia Prague in midweek continued this flawless streak. Consequently, Mikel Arteta’s side sits six points clear at the top of the table.
Predicted Lineups
Sunderland predicted XI: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Geertruida, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Traore, Isidor, Le Fee
Arsenal predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard
How to watch Sunderland vs Arsenal?
Fans in the UK can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage is scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm GMT.
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