Arsenal vs Sunderland Preview: Team and Injury News

Morning all,

Apologies for the briefness of the post as I am about to embark on an epic journey. A journey that will take me from Highbury & Islington station to the depths of the Bailey for some special brew (not literally) in a little over an hour (I know it’s early but it is how I celebrate the start of the season). From there we shall pop into whichever pub confronts us across Holloway Road until Daniel, Aman, Kristian and I set foot in the majestic Emirates stadium to welcome the Premier League campaign.

It may be difficult to ascertain exactly who might play and how we will shape up but one thing is clear; we will be out there to win. Despite what has happened in the last 48 hours regarding Song and Van Persie, the attitude and commitment that was shown from the boss in the pre-match conference was one to marvel at. He literally confronted fire with volcanic lava and then stuck the boot in to make sure.

He took questions with an aura of someone who has had enough with player power. He met questions with such disdain at times I am surprised that it was not bigger news. He seems to have grasped the notion that the players he has moulded into superstars no longer care about loyalty and that is the “reality” we live in.

Either way the next fixture is the most important and as such we need to look at the options we have available. In addition to the long term injuries of Wilshere, Frimpong, Sagna and Rosicky, we have Oxlade-Chamberlain and Koscienly out according to Arsenal.com. We also have Theo Walcott facing a late fitness test on a bruised thigh, one which I expect him to pass. Cazorla is also expected to face a test due to his excursions midweek with Spain.

Either way, this is the team I expect to play:

                                                    Szczesny

Jenkinson                    Mertesacker                 Vermaelen                   Gibbs

                                    Arteta                          Diaby

                                                    Cazorla

Walcott                                                                                               Gervinho

                                                    Podolski

The line up could easily include Podolski and Giroud which would likely result in Gervinho starting on the bench.

Sunderland are a decent team but one which has struggled to strengthen from last year. I would guess that as with any Martin O’ Neil team, they will be difficult to break down but given the firepower, I can see us getting a couple.

My prediction is 2-0. A solid start.

Let me know your thoughts.

GoonerVerse.