Following their 4-0 humbling at the San Siro against AC Milan on Wednesday night, Arsene Wenger’s side must quickly pick themselves back up and focus their attention on the FA Cup fifth round tie against the side they beat 2-1 in the dying minutes in the Premier League last weekend tomorrow afternoon.
Sunderland will be looking for revenge having been beaten by the Gunners at home last Saturday by a late winner from Thierry Henry, who has now returned to parent club New York Red Bulls.
On the other hand, Arsenal will want to repay their fans with a win following their poor display in Italy.
Sunderland team news:
Martin O’Neill is likely to name an unchanged side, but captain Lee Cattermole could be back in the squad having recovered from a hamstring injury. Nicklas Bendtner is ineligible, while David Vaughan, Titus Bramble and Wes Brown are all out injured.
Key player: James McClean
The Northern Ireland Under-21 international has been a revelation for the Wearside club ever since O’Neill’s arrival. Loves to take on defenders with his pace, very direct and has an eye for goal as proven last weekend against us.
Likely line-up:
Mignolet
Bardsley O’Shea Turner Richardson
Larsson Colback Gardner McClean
Sessegnon
Campbell
Arsenal team news:
Wenger will have a lot to think about after the debacle in mid-week, especially with the FA Cup being the only realistic trophy the north London could bag this season. Laurent Koscielny is highly unlikely to feature after picking up a knee injury and will probably be replaced by Johan Djourou, while Thierry Henry has flown back to New York. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks set to return to the starting line-up and Kieran Gibbs will continue at left-back.
Key player: Robin van Persie
Has scored seven goals in his last nine FA Cup appearances and 22 in 25 Premier League games so far this season.
Likely line-up:
Szczesny
Sagna Djourou Vermaelen Gibbs
Song Arteta
Ramsey
Walcott Chamberlain
Van Persie
Prediction:
Arsenal have only won two of their last seven FA Cup ties away, while Sunderland cruelly lost to them last weekend and will want revenge. Both teams will want to prove a point and get back to winning ways. However, after being mauled by Milan, I’m going to predict a 2-1 for the Gunners. But I wouldn’t be shocked if Sunderland bagged a draw and took it to a replay at The Emirates.
Score: 2-1 Arsenal
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U know,arsenal fans should not feel bad when guyz talk dm down b/4 a match because if afc is really a top team,they will exhibit confidence & class when they play,teams will be SCARED of facing them,so even if they lose against sunderlands,fans shouldn’t cry,it just shows how low the team has become.They should just demand for a better next season,cause dy deserve it.
Ramsey and Arteta are too alike it has to be one or the other would drop walcott also try Arshavin in the hole
arsenal is best team.arsenal can won all matches but the pover are injured ars won this match surely.
fuck liverpool,mu,chelsea and man city cannot wins titties.arsenal only win tittles and broke the busted sunderland.