An injury update on Sunderland defender Omar Alderete
Sunderland host Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on Saturday evening.
Peter Crouch has backed Sunderland to secure a famous win against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday afternoon, but fellow pundit Chris Sutton has forecast a comfortable victory for the Gunners.
The Black Cats host Mikel Arteta’s men at the Stadium of Light this weekend, and will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten record on home soil this season. For their part, Arsenal are on a run of eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions, and currently hold a six-point lead at the top of the table.
And taking the Gunners’ recent form into account, Sutton has been quick to tip them for another win - and another clean sheet - on Wearside.
What has Chris Sutton said about Sunderland vs Arsenal?
In his weekly predictions column for BBC Sport, the pundit opted for a 2-0 Sunderland loss, saying: “Sunderland improved a lot as their game went on against Everton, but they got a real good going-over in the early stages. They cannot afford to start like that against Arsenal, who have superior players and are such a threat from set-pieces too.
“The Gunners don't have to play well to win, they just grind away until they find a way through. Mikel Arteta's side weren't pretty when they beat Slavia Prague in the Champions League but they don't care, and why should they?
“Some of the football they play might get people asking whether that is the way you'd want to win a title, but do you think the Arsenal players will be bothered when they are popping open the champagne? It is about knowing how to do it, not how you do it. There is a lot of the old '1-0 to the Arsenal' in this current Gunners team, although I do expect them to take more goals off other teams at times.
“It is at the back where they are so strong. Can Sunderland cause them problems? Absolutely, but I think this latest Arsenal win will come off the back of another Arsenal clean sheet.”
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join ourSAFC WhatsApp channel.
What has Peter Crouch said about Sunderland vs Arsenal?
Elsewhere, however, Crouch has argued that Sunderland could cause something of an upset with a narrow victory over their high-flying visitors. Speaking on his own podcast, the popular former striker said: “I think that’s what I mean. I think going there, the crowd will be up for it. The players, it’s their cup final. I need something big. And I’m going to go with Sunderland 1-0. I’m willing to die on this sword.”
Continue Reading