Arsenal are looking to extend their lead at the summit of the Premier League when they take on Sunderland this evening.
The Gunners have been getting better and better as the weeks have gone on but there was a fresh injury concern for Mikel Arteta with Viktor Gyokeres forced off at half-time against Burnley last weekend.
The Sweden international missed the victory over Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday with reports suggesting he will not be involved on Wearside today.
The former Sporting star is dealing with a muscular injury with Arsenal still working to determine the severity of the issue.
Arteta was typically coy on Gyokeres’ availability but he is expected to be available after the international break.
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Mikel Merino once again deputised up front midweek in the Champions League, scoring twice. If Gyokeres is ruled out as expected, the Spaniard will surely continue up top.
Gabriel Martinelli is also sidelined with a muscle injury with the weekend game coming too soon for the Brazilian.
Arsenal have been dealing with injury problems for most of the season with Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz all sidelined with knee issues.
Arteta is hopeful however the trio will be back and available for the north London derby against Tottenham on 23 November.
The Gunners head into today’s game six points clear at the top and with Manchester City and Liverpool, sat second and third respectively, facing off at the Etihad on Sunday, there is the chance to widen that gap.
Who do you think will win the match between Sunderland and Arsenal?
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Sunderland
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Arsenal
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It will be a draw
Predicted Arsenal XI to face Sunderland
Gyokeres’ absence will prompt a change up top and with Havertz still unavailable, Merino is in line to continue in that role.
Sunderland vs Arsenal TV channel and kick-off time
Sunderland vs Arsenal takes place on Saturday 8 November with kick-off scheduled for 5:30pm.
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.