Sunderland v Arsenal
Stadium of Light
Saturday 21st November 2009

Arsenal are another side counting the cost of the international break after leading scorer Robin Van Persie sustained an ankle injury that will keep him out of action until the New Year. With Nicklas Bendtner also still sidelined, Arsene Wenger’s attacking options are limited to Eduardo and Carlos Vela, neither of whom have been overly-impressive since arriving at the Emirates.

In more positive news for the Londoners, Theo Walcott has returned to full training, but while the England flier is still several weeks away from a return to first-team action, fellow-midfielder Aaron Ramsey is on the brink of forcing his way into the starting eleven for Saturday’s clash on Wearside. The 18-year-old produced another stunning display for Wales in their win over Scotland last weekend, reaffirming his status as a rising star of the very highest quality.

The Gunners will certainly be put to the test by a Sunderland side who have lost only once at home all season and are currently riding high in eighth place. Darren Bent has been the go-to man for the Black Cats, bagging an impressive eight goals in all competitions and forcing his way back into the England squad, but the former Tottenham man will be without his usual strike partner on Saturday as Kenwyne Jones is suspended. Also unavailable for the home side will be Scottish international goalkeeper Craig Gordon who suffered a broken arm in the recent 2-0 defeat at Tottenham. Capable deputy Marton Fulop is set to be handed the gloves, while Bolo Zenden and John Mensah are poised to return to the squad after recovering from hip and calf injuries respectively.

The Gunners do have a good recent record at the Stadium of Light, with four wins from their last five visits, but without the cutting edge provided by Van Persie they may struggle to turn their sparkling passing football into goals. Wenger’s side have also looked vulnerable at the back this term and with Bent in confident mood, Sunderland look to have enough firepower to trouble them. The visitors deserve favouritism, but don’t be surprised if Sunderland hold them to a creditable draw.

Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal