By Isaac Mission
Arsenal will be looking to maintain their perfect Premier League start when they travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Saturday.
The Gunners have won each of their opening three league games after an impressive campaign last season that saw them claim the Premier League title. Mikel Arteta’s team also began their Champions League campaign positively, securing a 1-0 victory over Napoli in midweek through Martin Odegaard’s decisive goal.
Sunderland, meanwhile, head into the fixture with four points from their first three league matches. They also secured a narrow 1-0 win against Hull City in the EFL Cup.
Arsenal team news
Arsenal continue to monitor several players ahead of the trip north.
Jurrien Timber remains unavailable as he works his way back from a lengthy injury, while William Saliba is also expected to miss out because of a back issue.
Cristhian Mosquera is another doubt after picking up a problem during the recent meeting with Aston Villa. Ben White, however, should be available despite suffering a knock against Napoli.
How Arsenal could line up
David Raya is expected to retain his position between the posts, with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Illan Meslier likely to begin on the bench.
With Saliba unavailable, Ezri Konsa could continue alongside Gabriel Magalhaes at the centre of defence after producing strong displays in recent matches.
White is tipped to start at right-back, while Riccardo Calafiori could return to the XI after being rested in midweek. That could see Piero Hincapié drop to the substitutes' bench.
In midfield, Myles Lewis-Skelly is expected to operate in the deeper role, with Declan Rice continuing as the box-to-box midfielder. Bruno Guimaraes, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi could provide further options from the bench.
Odegaard should retain his place in the attacking midfield role following his excellent early-season form. Christos Tzolis and Bukayo Saka are expected to occupy the wide positions, potentially leaving Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke among the substitutes.
Kai Havertz could lead Arsenal’s attack, with Viktor Gyokeres potentially dropping to the bench after starting the Champions League victory over Napoli.
Predicted Arsenal XI vs Sunderland
Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Odegaard; Tzolis, Havertz, Saka.