Sunderland welcome Arsenal to the Stadium of Light on Saturday 12 September 2026 at 8pm BST. The champions have won all three league games, but the hosts have taken four points from their last two.

Sunderland Find Balance With a Back Five

Enzo Le Fée’s penalty secured a 1-1 draw at Brentford after Sunderland’s 1-0 home win over Fulham. Kevin Danso debuted in a three-man central defence, while Le Fée hit the post and Dan Ballard had a goal disallowed.

Habib Diarra’s hamstring injury removes a midfield runner who supplied the winner against Fulham. Le Fée must shoulder more creative responsibility. Régis Le Bris changed all 11 starters for Tuesday’s cup tie against Hull, reducing the workload on his league regulars.

Sunderland vs Arsenal predicted line-up (5-3-2): Roefs; Meunier, Mukiele, Danso, Ballard, Reinildo; Sadiki, Xhaka, Le Fée; Angulo, Brobbey.

Arsenal Carry Form Into a Busy Week

Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard scored in Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Chelsea. Earlier victories over Coventry and Aston Villa mean Mikel Arteta’s side have scored six league goals and conceded just once.

Jurriën Timber’s return to the travelling squad adds cover at right-back. William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera remain unavailable, limiting rotation at centre-back. Ezri Konsa and Gabriel look the likeliest pairing, although Wednesday’s Napoli match could change Saturday’s selection.

Arsenal vs Sunderland predicted line-up (4-3-3): Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Havertz, Tzolis.

Sunderland vs Arsenal Prediction

  • Main Tip: Arsenal To Win
  • Odds: 1.47 (22Bet)
  • Correct Score Prediction: Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
  • 22Bet Booking Code: THC7G

Key Stats:

  • Arsenal have nine points and two clean sheets from three league matches.
  • Sunderland’s last two league games produced three goals in total.
  • The Gunners won their first league encounter 1-0 on the road at Aston Villa.

Six goals scored against one conceded support the visitors’ short price. Their win at Villa also showed they can protect a narrow away lead. Against Chelsea, Havertz’s dummy opened space for Ødegaard’s winner, illustrating how their movement can unsettle defenders.

Sunderland’s pressure at Brentford makes them credible opponents. However, Diarra’s absence reduces their options for carrying the ball through midfield, and Arsenal have conceded only once across 270 league minutes.

Sunderland vs Arsenal Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Under 2.5 Goals
  • Odds: 1.78 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: E3F7G

Sunderland have conceded once in their last two league matches. Keeping five defenders behind the ball could make Arsenal work patiently for openings, especially after Wednesday’s European trip.

Arsenal’s wins over Coventry and Chelsea both produced three goals, so this is no certainty. Still, Sunderland’s recent defensive record and the Gunners’ two clean sheets point towards a narrow away win. My score prediction is 0-1.

Verdict: Arsenal To Win (1.47) — Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal