Arsenal vs Sunderland: Lineups, Team News and Prediction

League leaders Arsenal welcome Sunderland to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, 7th February 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 PM UTC. The Gunners will be looking to solidify their position at the pinnacle of the Premier League table against a Sunderland side currently sitting comfortably in eighth place, eager to spring a surprise.

Arsenal vs Sunderland Form

The hosts come into this fixture on the back of a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the League Cup. Overall, Arsenal’s recent form across all competitions has been strong, with three wins, two draws, and just one loss in their last six outings. A significant statistic for the Gunners is their impressive Premier League record, having remained undefeated in 19 of their last 21 matches in the competition.

Sunderland secured a convincing 3-0 home win against Burnley in their most recent Premier League encounter. However, their overall form has been more inconsistent, recording two wins, two draws, and two losses over their last six matches across all competitions. Notably, there have been over 2.5 goals scored in the Black Cats' last four Premier League games, suggesting their matches tend to be open affairs.

Arsenal vs Sunderland Head to Head

The last meeting between these two sides, back in November 2025 in the Premier League, ended in a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light. Historically, this fixture has heavily favoured the North London club. Over their last six encounters, Arsenal have asserted their dominance, securing four victories and two draws, remaining undefeated against the Black Cats. Furthermore, Arsenal have found the net at least twice in their last four home matches against Sunderland in all competitions, highlighting their attacking prowess on home turf in this particular fixture.

Looking for advanced AI predictions and props to enhance your soccer betting? Try out oddschecker+ now on this limited time 7-day free trial!

Arsenal vs. Sunderland Odds

Click here for complete Arsenal vs. Sunderland Odds

Arsenal vs Sunderland Probable Lineups

Arsenal (4-3-3):

Raya; Calafiori, Magalhães, Saliba, Timber; Zubimendi, Rice, M. Ødegaard; Trossard, Gyökeres, Madueke

Sunderland (4-2-3-1):

Roefs; Mandava, Ballard, Alderete, Mukiele; Sadiki, Diarra; Talbi, Le Fée, Hume; Brobbey

Arsenal vs Sunderland Team News

Arsenal face some significant absences, with Saka, Dowman, and Merino all sidelined due to injury. Noni Madueke is expected to retain his place on the right wing in Saka's absence, while Riccardo Calafiori could make his first Premier League start since before Christmas. Martin Ødegaard, however, is set to return to the squad after overcoming a minor issue that saw him miss the Chelsea game. Mikel Merino is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a foot injury.

Sunderland will be without several key players, including Granit Xhaka, who misses a return to his former club due to a hamstring injury. Other confirmed absentees for the Black Cats include Alese, Bi, and Traoré, none of whom are expected to return for this clash. Despite the injuries, the visitors' manager is likely to stick with the same starting XI that secured victory against Burnley.

Arsenal vs Sunderland Match Facts

• Arsenal are undefeated in their last 13 matches against Sunderland in all competitions.
• Arsenal are undefeated in 19 of their last 21 matches in Premier League.
• Arsenal have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 home matches against Sunderland in all competitions.
• There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Sunderland's last 4 games in Premier League.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-2 Sunderland

Arsenal's title aspirations are firmly back on track, and they enter this contest as clear favourites. Their formidable attacking strengths, particularly their ability to create chances through individual skill, attacking down the wings, and proficiency from set pieces, will pose a significant threat to Sunderland. The Gunners also boast a strong ability to control games in the opposition's half and dominate possession, which will likely pin the visitors back.

Sunderland, while having shown resilience in "coming back from losing positions" and possessing strength in "aerial duels," have notable weaknesses that Arsenal will look to exploit. Their struggles with "keeping possession," "finishing scoring chances," and crucially, "defending against attacks down the wings," align perfectly with Arsenal's offensive arsenal. The Black Cats' tendency for high-scoring games, coupled with Arsenal's consistent goal-scoring record at home against them, points towards an entertaining, goal-laden affair. Despite Sunderland's defensive frailties, their capacity to find the net means they are unlikely to be shut out entirely.

Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals (-135) Click here to get the best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook

Given the predicted scoreline of 3-2 and the analytical breakdown, a strong betting angle for this match is Over 2.5 Goals. Arsenal's consistent scoring at home against Sunderland (at least two goals in their last four encounters) and Sunderland's recent trend of high-scoring Premier League matches (over 2.5 goals in their last four) strongly support this outcome. With Arsenal's attacking strengths and Sunderland's defensive weaknesses, particularly against wide play, goals are expected at the Emirates.

More Soccer Odds

• Click here for the latest English Premier League Odds
• Liverpool is favored to win it all again in 2026, can anyone stop them? Check the Premier League Winner Odds
• Looking for more soccer odds? Check out our complete list, including Champions League, La Liga, and More