Premier League

Arsenal vs. Sunderland: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

Predicted line-ups for Matchweek 25

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🔴 Arsenal – Predicted XI (likely 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1)

Manager: Mikel Arteta

Formation: 4-3-3

Probable Lineup:

GK: David Raya

Defenders: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori

Midfield: Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, (Kai Havertz / Eberechi Eze)

Attack: Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Leandro Trossard

📌 Notes:

Bukayo Saka is out or doubtful with a hip injury; Ødegaard also doubtful. This boosts chances for Madueke and Trossard starting wide. �

The Standard +1

Some outlets predict Havertz in midfield alongside Rice & Zubimendi. �

Squawka

Max Dowman and Merino are ruled out long-term. �

Sports Mole

Probable Arsenal XI (compact):

Raya – Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori – Rice, Zubimendi, Havertz/Eze – Madueke, Gyökeres, Trossard �

The Standard

⚫ Sunderland – Predicted XI (likely 4-2-3-1)

Manager: Régis Le Bris

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Probable Lineup:

GK: Robin Roefs

Defenders: Nordi Mukiele, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo Mandava

Midfield: Lutsharel Geertruida, Noah Sadiki (or Trai Hume)

Attacking Mid: Enzo Le Fée, Chemsdine Talbi

Forward: Brian Brobbey

📌 Notes:

Granit Xhaka is unavailable due to injury. �

Sports Mole

Sunderland’s shape often sits compact, with Le Fée and Talbi creative in the line behind Brobbey. �

Opta Analyst

Probable Sunderland XI (compact):

Roefs – Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Mandava – Geertruida, Sadiki – Hume, Le Fée, Talbi – Brobbey �

Opta Analyst

📊 Head-to-Head Context

Sunderland drew 2–2 with Arsenal earlier this season. �

Opta Analyst

Historically Arsenal have dominated home meetings with Sunderland. �

Opta Analyst

If you want formation diagrams or variants (e.g., if Saka/Ødegaard are fit), just let me know!

Arsenal will be hoping to secure their place in the Carabao Cup final when they take on Chelsea in the second leg of their semi-final tie on Tuesday evening at the Emirates Stadium

 

 

Arsenal and Chelsea face the prospect of having a combined 11 players unavailable for Tuesday evening’s Carabao Cup clash at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners approach the fixture in strong form, having secured a 3-2 victory over the Blues at Stamford Bridge during the first leg of the semi-finals last month.

 

In that match, Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi cancelled out an Alejandro Garnacho brace to gain a slender advantage heading into the crucial second game While both sides will be hoping to book their place in March’s final when Tuesday evening’s clash concludes, Arsenal and Chelsea may be compelled to compete in north London without a complete squad at their disposal.

 

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Here, Mirror Football looks at all of the injury updates and potential absentees from Arsenal’s Carabao Cup tie with Chelsea…

 

1 of 11

 

Bukayo Saka

 

Speaking about Bukayo Saka’s hip injury during his pre-match press conference on Monday, Mikel Arteta said: “It doesn’t look like something too serious. Whether he’s going to be available for tomorrow or the weekend, we’ll see.”

 

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Image:

 

PA)

 

2 of 11

 

Mikel Merino

 

Mikel Merino will be out for an “extended period” as he requires surgery for a foot injury. He will miss Tuesday’s match as a result.

 

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Image:

 

Getty Images)

 

3 of 11

 

Max Dowman

 

Speaking about Max Dowman’s ankle injury, meanwhile, Arteta explained: “He’s growing, and we need to be very careful and a little more protective. He has a different schedule as well because he needs to go to school…But I think he’s quite close. He’s on the pitch now, he’s doing well.”

 

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Image:

 

PA)

 

4 of 11

 

Estevao

 

Estevao has been granted compassionate leave by Liam Rosenior, and there is “no pressure” on him to return until he is ready. He looks likely to miss the match on Tuesday evening.

 

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Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

 

5 of 11

 

Jamie Gittens

 

Jamie Gittens limped off the pitch during Chelsea’s 3-2 comeback win over West Ham at the weekend, with Rosenior since confirming that he “felt his hamstring.”

 

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Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

 

6 of 11

 

Tosin Adarabioyo

 

While Tosin Adarabioyo has made progress on a hamstring injury, the game against Arsenal could come a touch too soon for the defender.

 

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Image:

 

CameraSport via Getty Images)

 

7 of 11

 

Filip Jorgensen

 

Filip Jorgensen is closing in on a return for his club after coming off at half-time against Pafos in the Champions League in January. Rosenior said he should be fit for Tuesday’s match, or potentially Saturday’s trip to Wolves.

 

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Image:

 

Offside via Getty Images)

 

8 of 11

 

Dario Essugo

 

Dario Essugo underwent surgery on his thigh in September, but has since suffered a setback in his recovery after slipping in training.

 

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Image:

 

Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

 

9 of 11

 

Romeo Lavia

 

Romeo Lavia has been out with a thigh injury since November. While he is close to full fitness, it could be another couple of weeks before Chelsea fans see his return.

 

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Image:

 

Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

 

10 of 11

 

Levi Colwill

 

Levi Colwill looks to be out until near the end of the season as a result of sustaining an ACL injury in pre-season preparations.

 

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Image:

 

PA)

 

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Mykhailo Mudryk

 

Mykhailo Mudryk remains provisionally suspended by the FA as a result of a failed drug test. As a result, he will be unable to take on Arsenal.

 

The Argentine forward was seen arriving at the Emirates earlier today, accompanied by club officials, with sources close to the deal indicating that all paperwork has now been completed. The move ends weeks of intense speculation linking Álvarez with a switch to the Premier League, as Arsenal moved decisively to beat off competition from several European giants.

Álvarez, renowned for his intelligence, pressing ability, and clinical finishing, is viewed by Mikel Arteta as a perfect fit for Arsenal’s high-intensity attacking system. The 25-year-old is expected to add depth, versatility, and proven quality to an Arsenal frontline that has already impressed this season.

Club insiders reveal that the five-year contract reflects Arsenal’s long-term belief in the player, with Arteta personally pushing for the deal after identifying Álvarez as a key piece in the club’s title-challenging project. The striker is expected to undergo final media duties before being officially unveiled to the fans.

Supporters gathered outside the Emirates reacted with excitement as images of Álvarez circulated on social media, with many hailing the signing as a statement of intent from the Gunners. His arrival underlines Arsenal’s determination to compete at the very top of English and European football.

An official announcement is expected imminently, with Álvarez likely to be available for selection once registration formalities are completed. For Arsenal fans, the sight of Juan Álvarez at the Emirates signals a bold new chapter in the club’s quest for silverware.