Mikel Arteta has confirmed three significant adjustments for the upcoming Premier League match against Sunderland. The changes involve notable returns to the midfield, aimed at enhancing team performance.
Sunderland Clash: Team Implements Three Key Changes
Ebere Eze and Martin Zubimendi are back in the lineup. Zubimendi missed the recent fixture against Slavia Prague due to suspension but is ready to contribute once more. Eze, on the other hand, will be making his sixth consecutive Premier League start.
Notable Team Adjustments
- Martin Zubimendi returns from suspension.
- Ebere Eze earns a sixth straight start.
- Riccardo Calafiori continues as the consistent left-back choice.
Calafiori, alongside Gabriel, is among the few players selected for every match this season. He retains his position over Piero Hincapie, who will start on the bench. Other substitutes include Christian Norgaard and Ethan Nwaneri, both of whom participated in midweek action.
Offensively, Mikel Merino, who scored twice in the last game, will lead the attack again. Viktor Gyokeres remains sidelined, but goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has returned to the bench after missing the prior match. The team aims to extend its winning streak to 11 matches across all competitions and secure a ninth consecutive clean sheet, an unprecedented achievement in the club’s 138-year history.
Sunderland’s Steady Line-Up
In contrast, Sunderland’s squad remains unchanged from their last match, which ended in a draw against Everton. This consistency reflects the Black Cats’ strategy as they prepare for the challenge.
- Captain Granit Xhaka will face Arsenal for the first time since his transfer in the summer of 2023.
Match Line-Ups
| Sunderland | Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Geertruida, Mandava, Xhaka, Sadiki, Traore, Le Fee, Isidor |
|---|---|
| Substitutes | Patterson, Masuaku, O’Nien, Neil, Rigg, Adingra, Talbi, Brobbey, Mayenda |
| Arsenal | Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Trossard, Merino |
| Substitutes | Arrizabalaga, White, Lewis-Skelly, Hincapie, Mosquera, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Dowman, Harriman-Annous |
As the teams prepare for kickoff, fans can look forward to exciting gameplay. Key stats and insights into Sunderland’s tactics and seasonal performance are crucial for both supporters and analysts alike.
