Verdict: Total goals under 2.5
Best odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Betfair
The Stadium of Light sets the stage for a fascinating Premier League clash on Saturday evening as Sunderland host leaders Arsenal in Gameweek 11.
Dubbed the “Granit Xhaka derby,” this encounter pits the newly-promoted Black Cats—currently punching above their weight—against a Gunners side chasing history with their defensive solidity and unbeaten streak.
Sunderland
Sunderland have been the surprise package of the 2025/26 season. Under Regis Le Bris, the Black Cats occupy fourth place in the table, level on points with Liverpool and just seven behind Arsenal. Their resilience at home has been remarkable: unbeaten in five Premier League fixtures at the Stadium of Light, scoring in each of those games.
This form includes notable wins over Chelsea and Wolves, plus a gritty 1-1 draw against Everton earlier this week, where Granit Xhaka netted his first league goal for the club.
Sunderland’s ability to out-perform traditional heavyweights like Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur speaks volumes about their tactical discipline and fighting spirit.
Team News
Le Bris faces mixed fortunes on the injury front. The Black Cats will be without five key players: Aji Alese (shoulder), Dennis Cirkin (wrist), Romaine Mundle (thigh), Leo Fuhr Hjelde (Achilles), and Habib Diarra (groin). Defender Omar Alderete remains a doubt after missing the Everton clash due to lingering concussion symptoms.
However, there are no fresh concerns from their last outing, and Xhaka—reuniting with his former club—will aim to score in consecutive Premier League games for the first time since 2023.
Expected to line up in a compact shape, Sunderland’s possible XI includes Robin Roefs in goal, a backline featuring Mukiele and Ballard, and an attacking trio of Traore, Isidor, and Le Fee.
Arsenal
Arsenal arrive in the North East as the undisputed form team in England. Mikel Arteta’s men have won eight straight matches across all competitions without conceding—a feat unmatched in English top-flight football for 105 years.
Their latest triumph, a 3-0 Champions League win over Slavia Prague, showcased Mikel Merino’s adaptability as an emergency striker, filling the void left by Viktor Gyokeres.
Domestically, Arsenal’s 2-0 victory at Burnley extended their lead at the summit to six points over Manchester City. Defensively, the Gunners have been imperious, facing an average of just 1.9 shots on target per game—the lowest ever recorded in Premier League history.
Team News
Arteta’s squad depth will be tested again. Gyokeres is sidelined with a muscular injury, while Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli are all unavailable. Kepa Arrizabalaga is a doubt but unlikely to start anyway.
The good news is the return of Martin Zubimendi, who missed midweek action due to suspension but is fit for this clash.
Arsenal’s expected XI features Raya in goal, a back four of Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, and Calafiori, with Rice anchoring midfield alongside Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze. Up front, Merino will lead the line again, flanked by Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, this fixture has leaned Arsenal’s way. Across 154 meetings, the Gunners have 63 wins to Sunderland’s 50, with 41 draws. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 12 encounters with the Black Cats, winning nine and drawing three.
Sunderland’s last victory came in the 2011/12 FA Cup, while their most recent league success dates back to November 2009—a 1-0 triumph courtesy of Darren Bent.
Recent clashes have been one-sided, including a 5-1 Arsenal win in the 2021/22 Carabao Cup, where Eddie Nketiah bagged a hat-trick.
Conclusion
Saturday’s showdown promises a compelling tactical battle: Sunderland’s home resilience versus Arsenal’s historic defensive streak. While the Black Cats will look to exploit their attacking consistency and the fervent backing of the Stadium of Light, Arsenal’s depth and discipline make them firm favorites.
Expect a tight contest, but the league leaders’ momentum and defensive mastery could see them edge another narrow win—perhaps by a single goal.
Verdict: Total goals under 2.5
Best odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Betfair
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