Arsenal will seek to maintain their slim hopes of making the top four when they take on bottom side Sunderland in Tuesday night’s Premier League clash.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has recently accused clubs of going on a holiday prior to the end of the season, but the Black Cats will have some incentive to play for as they seek to avoid finishing rock-bottom of the league standings.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Lineup:
Petr Cech has been a regular starter for the Gunners since his first-team return against Middlesbrough. He is a definite starter for the midweek clash.
The defence is unlikely to see a couple of changes with Laurent Koscielny out with a minor foot problem. He could be replaced with Nacho Monreal at the heart of the defence meaning that Kieran Gibbs could return at left wing-back.
Monreal will be partnered by Rob Holding and Shkodran Mustafi with Hector Bellerin occupying the right wing-back position in the injury absence of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Moving forward, Granit Xhaka is a sure starter at the centre of the park, and he could be accompanied by Aaron Ramsey with Francis Coquelin dropping to the substitutes’ bench.
Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have found their best form in the new three-at-the-back setup, and they will need to produce the goods once more if the Gunners are to run victorious.
Olivier Giroud notched an impressive brace in the 4-1 mauling of Stoke City last weekend, and he could be backed to start ahead of Danny Welbeck, who has done nothing wrong to lose his position.
Prediction:
Arsenal have not had it easy with the Black Cats at home, and they will need to have the cutting edge if they are to get a few goals past the ever impressive Jordan Pickford.
Arsenal 2 – 0 Sunderland
Expect Sanchez to get a goal for himself owing to his sublime form this season.
Image – Getty
