Off the back of battering Blackburn Rovers 7-1 last weekend, Arsenal head to the Stadium of Light to face, arguably, the in-from side of the Premier League – Martin O’Neill’s Sunderland.
Since O’Neill’s appointment back in December, the Black Cats have managed to rack up a total of 21 points from a possible 33, turning the Wearside club from relegation candidates to Europa League chasers.
Sunderland are currently on a three game winning streak, where they have managed to score 6 goals and concede zilch.
The rise of Northern Ireland Under-21 international James McClean has certainly added a new dimension to Sunderland’s style of play and the return of Frazer Campbell has also given O’Neil more options upfront. But undoubtedly the club’s rejuvenation has been more so down to Martin’s man management approach, wherever he goes he succeeds.
O’Neill will be hoping to make it four wins in a row tomorrow against an unpredictable Arsenal side, which, Last Saturday, banged seven past Steve Kean’s Blackburn.
Arsene Wenger’s side had a bit of a rocky start to 2012. The Gunners have only managed to accumulate 4 points from a possible 15 and currently sit sixth in the Premier League, 3 points behind fourth placed Chelsea.
Despite their disappointing results and placing in the league, Arsenal fans will be encouraged by the goal-scoring form of Robin van Persie and the emergence of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the past few weeks.
‘The Ox’ has rapidly become a fan favourite after his impressive performance against Arsenal’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United a few weeks ago and, just recently, the 18-year-old managed to bag his first Premier League brace for his new club against Rovers at the Emirates last Saturday.
Robin van Persie has netted 22 goals in 24 Premier League games this season and currently sits on top of the goal-scoring charts. Many, if not all, Arsenal fans will be hoping that the Dutchman can add to his tally later this afternoon.
Sunderland team news:
Loanee Wayne Bridge and new signing Sotirios Kyrgiakos will be made available for Sunderland, although Arsenal loanee Nicklas Bendtner will be made ineligible for the game. Matt Kilgallon has recovered from his ankle injury, but captain Lee Cattermole, David Vaughan, Wes Brown and Titus Bramble are all still out. Former Gunner Sebastian Larsson, Jack Colback and Stephane Sessegnon are all likely to start.
