Sunderland vs Arsenal preview

All eyes on Mesut Özil

The 24-year-old Germany international midfielder is set to make his first appearance in a Gunners shirt since his club-record transfer from Real Madrid on deadline day.

Özil spoke confidently of Arsenal's title chances when he addressed the media on Thursday, so three points on Wearside will certainly be the target this weekend against a Sunderland side that are only being kept off the bottom of the table on goals scored at this early stage.

Arsenal won 1-0 at the Stadium of Light back in February, hanging on to Santi Cazorla's first-half opener after Carl Jenkinson was sent off in the second half.

Paolo Di Canio's man-management style has been called into question of late, but it is his tactical acumen that will be tested to the limit in this fixture as he looks to upset Arsenal's accurate passing rhythms.

Sunderland have won only one of their last nine home games against Arsenal in the Premier League, and with new addition Fabio Borini expected to partner the returning Steven Fletcher in attack, the Italian must hope his strike force clicks in their first game together.

"We will try to damage them in the way we can"

Sunderland manager Di Canio says the German international is a good addition to a talented squad and feels hard work and application is what his side must produce in order to counter the North London club.

“He [Ozil] is a naturally talented player – a champion,” he said. “Arsenal have many, many good players and he is another one. We have to be careful because they have obvious quality.

“They play good football and have quality in every area of the field. We have to play as a team – a strong unit – and try to damage them in the way we can.”

Team news:

Arsenal: Per Mertesacker is ill so he's out for tomorrow, Tomas Rosicky (thigh) is out aswell following injury on international duty, as is France Under-21 forward Yaya Sanogo (back), but Thomas Vermaelen (back) has returned to full training and could be included in the squad, although Wednesday's Champions League match against Marseille is a more likely return date. Arteta, Podolski, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Diaby are still out.

Sunderland: New-boy Borini may be handed his debut against the Gunners, while Fletcher is also pushing for his first start of the season after getting off the bench to score at Crystal Palace two weeks ago.

Jack Colback is expected to keep his place at left-back over Andrea Dossena, while John O'Shea is suspended after his sending-off against the Eagles.

Predicted starting lineups:

Arsenal:


Sunderland:

Sunderland 0-88 Arsenal.

Ozil will score 40 and assist 48.

Mole

Only good things can come of Flamini partnering Ramsey

Great Leader Sprucenuce wrote:Sunderland 0-88 Arsenal.

Ozil will score 40 and assist 48.

Still won't break the record for the most goals scored in a competitive match :')

Great job Urban.

I wont start Ozil, I know we all have been waiting for a long time, but I think he should come of the bench.

Sunderland always give us problem and we should not take them lightly, 1-0 0r 2-1 would be a great result.

-----------Szczesny-----------

Jenkinson - Sagna - Koscielny - Monreal

------Flamini ------------Ramsey

Walcott --------- Cazorla---------Gibbs

------------------Giroud

Great Leader Sprucenuce wrote:Sunderland 0-88 Arsenal.

Ozil will score 40 and assist 48.

LOL.

Raptorgunner wrote:I wont start Ozil, I know we all have been waiting for a long time, but I think he should come of the bench.

What's your reason for this? Not gelled with the squad/sick?

beatrixasdfghjk. wrote:

Raptorgunner wrote:I wont start Ozil, I know we all have been waiting for a long time, but I think he should come of the bench.

What's your reason for this? Not gelled with the squad/sick?

Sick and also he look tired playing for Germany, I would love for Ozil to start if he is ready.

Sunderland has been dreadful, too many new players and they want to play some attacking football which left so many holes, if they go into this game with same attacking mentality, we should be able to take advantage. I hope Paolo public criticism backfire.

As for us, this game is only about one thing, Ozil. I imagine gunnera will cheer at every touch he makes, an assist or a goal could do wonder to the team and the fans. Ozil will play at least 1 half since Rosicky is out.

Everything points to an Arsenal win and I'm making Walcott my fantasy captain, so you'll probably lose 2 - 0.

According to Geoff, Cazorla is out with an ankle injury but Özil will start.

David Ornstein ‏@bbcsport_david

Ozil starts for Arsenal at Sunderland, Wilshere starts, Cazorla not involved, Vermaelen on bench, Sagna CB & captain #bbcfootball

Nice work on preview. Cazorla out. Ozil starts along with Wilshere. Team news shortly!