Ian Wright has made his prediction for Saturday’s Premier League game between Sunderland and Arsenal at the Stadium of Light.
The Gunners have won their previous 10 matches across all competitions. This includes five consecutive league victories with four clean sheets.
Arsenal are already six points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, and they have the opportunity to extend the advantage this weekend.
With Man City hosting Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, there is a chance that they could drop points, which Arsenal can capitalise on with a win.
Speaking on The Overlap today, Gary Neville said that Sunderland can be an awkward opposition, given they are unbeaten at home this season.
The former Manchester United star feels the Black Cats could secure a 1-1 draw against the Gunners.
Neville said: “They’re awkward Sunderland, aren’t they? I’ll go with 1-1. I don’t really know why I’ve done that – I fancy Arsenal but Sunderland are tough there.”
Arsenal legend Ian Wright likewise made his prediction. The 62-year-old said that the Gunners are playing well and backed them to win 2-0 on the road.
Wright added: “We are [on whether he is backing Arsenal]. We’re playing well. I’m going 2-0 Arsenal.”
Mikel Arteta’s side have been in exceptional form since the 2-1 comeback win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park towards the end of September.
They have since picked up four league victories on the bounce without conceding a solitary goal.
Arsenal are favourites to beat the Black Cats away, but they will face a stern challenge. The Wearside outfit are likely to play with a low defensive block.
Sunderland lined up in a 5-4-1 formation when out of possession against Everton, and we can expect something similar in this weekend’s encounter.
The Gunners are accustomed to playing against defensive set-ups, but they will also need to guard against rapid counter-attacks from the newly promoted side.
Arteta could make at least three changes for the trip to Sunderland.
A victory on Saturday would see Arsenal extend the gap to Man City and Liverpool to nine and 10 points respectively before the pair meet at the Etihad.
A draw between them would be the perfect result for the Gunners before the international break.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com