Football
Sunderland vs Arsenal Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
As football fans and keen observers of the best betting sites for football, we're always on the lookout for those clashes that offer a blend of historical significance and unpredictable drama. This fixture, while perhaps not on the same grand scale as a Premier League title decider, certainly ticks both those boxes.
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Arsenal fans light up /Getty Images
This is more than just 90 minutes of football; it's a clash of narratives. Sunderland, a club that has experienced the highs and lows of English football, will be looking to make a statement against table-toppers Arsenal. The Black Cats, with their deep-rooted history and fervent support, will be eager to put on a performance that ignites their fanbase and potentially causes an upset.
Arsenal, on the other hand, will arrive with the weight of expectation, aiming to continue their own journey and assert their dominance. Regardless of the league they currently reside in, the history between these two clubs adds an extra layer of intensity to the occasion.
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability: Gunners Clear Favourites
Home: 15/2 (8.5) - 11.8%
Draw: 7/2 (4.5) - 22.2%
Away: 4/11 (1.36) - 73.3%
Online betting odds provided by Midnite (Subject to change)
Head-to-Head Record
Last Five Meetings
21/12/21: Arsenal 5-1 Sunderland
16/05/17: Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
29/10/16: Sunderland 1-4 Arsenal
24/04/16: Sunderland 0-0 Arsenal
09/01/16: Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland
Sunderland Current Form - DWWLW
Sunderland, as always, will be driven by passion and a never-say-die attitude. This is backed by their recent form, where they have only lost one of their last eight, and as we all know, when the Stadium of Light is rocking, they are a formidable force. We've seen them produce spirited performances in their last two games, coming back from a goal down in each of them to pick up points, and the prospect of facing Arsenal will undoubtedly provide an extra surge of adrenaline. Their ability to grind out results and their fighting spirit are always key factors to consider when looking at the Sunderland vs Arsenal betting odds.
General view inside the stadium during a pyrotechnics display
Key Players to Watch
When we analyze the potential match-winners for Sunderland, a few names immediately spring to mind:
- Noah Sadiki: Often, the team’s engine room dictates the flow of the game. Sunderland will be looking to their central midfielders to provide drive, creativity, and defensive steel. Sadiki can control possession and pick out crucial passes, which will be vital in breaking down Arsenal’s defense.
- Wilson Isidor: Every team needs a reliable goalscorer, and Sunderland will be heavily reliant on their main man to convert any chances that come their way. Against a strong Arsenal backline, clinical finishing will be paramount.
- Granit Xhaka: The leadership and defensive prowess of their captain are the bedrock of this team. His ability to organize the defense, win crucial tackles, and rally the troops will be essential in frustrating the Arsenal attack.
Sunderland Team News
Sunderland have no new injury concerns following their one-all draw with Everton on Monday night. They will still be without Diarra, Hjelde, Mundle, Alese, and Cirkin, but Fernandez and Neil are both back in training and could be available for selection.
Arsenal Current Form - WWWWW
Arsenal arrive at the Stadium of Light with renewed vigor and a clear sense of purpose. Their recent performances have shown a team that is building momentum, showcasing both attacking flair and defensive solidity. Mikel Arteta's side has been adept at controlling possession, pressing effectively, and exploiting spaces. Their ability to adapt their tactics to different opposition makes them a tough nut to crack for any team.
Leandro Trossard /Getty Images
Key Players to Watch
Arsenal boasts a squad brimming with talent, but a few players are particularly influential:
- Declan Rice: Arsenal’s midfield orchestrator is often the key to unlocking defenses. His vision, passing range, and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities from deep will be a constant threat.
- Bukayo Saka: Saka can beat defenders with pace or skill, and he can deliver dangerous crosses or cut inside to shoot, which causes nightmares for opposing full-backs.
- Viktor Gyokeres: The target man for Arsenal will be crucial in spearheading their attack. His ability to hold up the ball, bring teammates into play, and, crucially, find the back of the net, will be his primary responsibility
Arsenal Team News
Both Gyokeres and Zubimendi went off injured last time out and are currently being assessed ahead of this one. However, the signs are positive for both men, and Arteta is hopeful of having them available. Madueke, Martinelli, Havertz, and Odegaard are all at least a couple of weeks away from returning, while we won't see Gabriel Jesus back until next year.
Predicted Line-Ups
Sunderland: 5-4-1
Roefs, Ballard, Hume, Mandava, Mukiele, Alderete, Le Fee, Sadiki, Xhaka, Traore, Isidor
Arsenal: 4-3-3
Raya, Calafiori, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber, Eze, Rice, Zubimendi, Gyokeres, Saka, Trossard
Suggested Bets
After checking various English National League Bookmakers for the best odds, these are our suggested bets.
Arsenal -1 To Win: Arsenal have won five of the last six head-to-head fixtures by two or more goals (23/20 Star Sports, Quinn Bet 6/5).
Arsenal To Score 2 or More: Arsenal have scored two or more goals in three of their previous four visits to the Stadium of Light (4/7 Boylesports, Copybet 8/13, Leovegas 4/7)
Goal in First 20 Minutes: There has been a goal scored in the first 20 minutes of Sunderland's last four games (7/5 Bet442).
Value Bets
Declan Rice Over 0.5 Shots on Target: If Zubimendi is missing, Rice could be asked to play slightly more forward, which could mean he has more shooting chances (9/4 Leovegas).
Gabriel Anytime Assist: Gabriel has made three assists in his last five games (14/1 Casino Kings).
Over 3.5 Saves for Sunderland: Jordan Pickford could be in for a busy afternoon, but he's also in form and could make plenty of saves (19/20 BetMGM).
Prediction: Arsenal to Win
This is a fixture that embodies the romance of English football. It’s a chance for Sunderland to create a memorable upset on home soil, and for Arsenal to continue their impressive run.
While there is no doubt that the Black Cats have been mightily impressive so far this season, they probably lack the quality to trouble an Arsenal side
My name is Dean, AKA The Stat Man. I am a Sports Betting Analyst who uses math, algorithms, probability and logic to create my posts. I live in the UK, on the outskirts of London but my background and heritage is Irish. I'm an avid Manchester United fan who sees following them as a religion. Sport is pretty much my life, as I live and breathe it daily. If there is something I don't know, it's probably not worth knowing as I have over 20 years industry experience and insight.