Sunderland welcome Arsenal to the Stadium of Light in a game that has top-of-the-table significance. The Black Cats sit in a remarkable fourth place after a quick start to the Premier League season.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are the early pacesetters. The Gunners have by far the best defensive record in the division and lead rivals Manchester City and Liverpool by six and seven points respectively.
The fixture also marks the return of Granit Xhaka facing his old club. The Swiss midfielder and former Arsenal captain racked up 297 appearances for his former home in a tumultuous spell of highs and lows.
Sunderland
Regis Le Bris’ side have a number of injuries to contend with, many of which are long-term and will not feature against the Gunners.
(Credit: Richard Sellers/ Allstar/ GettyImages).
Omar Alderete, Ajibola Alese, Dennis Cirkin, Leo Hjelde, Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle are all set to miss the clash.
Arsenal
The North Londoners also have several lengthy injuries, especially in forward areas.
Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are all expected to return soon after the international break, with Martin Zubimendi a potential doubt.
Likely Lineups
Sunderland
Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Geertruida, Reinildo; Traore, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fee; Isisdor.
Arsenal
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Norgaard, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard.
Key Players
Sunderland – Granit Xhaka
Perhaps the most obvious key player, but Xhaka has been Sunderland’s best asset since his arrival in the summer. The midfielder ranks as the best in class in all of his side’s major passing statistics, including expected assists (1.2), big chances created (5) and chances created (16).
Xhaka offers more than his ability though. As a leader and captain, he is among the best in Europe. Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso and Le Bris have all entrusted the 33-year-old to lead their sides, as well as the various Switzerland managers. This highlights how different managers have seen the best of Xhaka as a leader.
If Arsenal are to be defeated, Xhaka will be the key to securing the Black Cats a memorable victory.
Arsenal – Eberechi Eze
Sunderland on the road is perhaps one of the most hostile venues in the division. The Gunners are unlikely to rout their opponents. In fact, it will prove difficult to break them down.
(Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/ GettyImages)
Boasting the joint-best defence in the league, Le Bris has instilled a solid foundation from which to build on. If Arsenal are to come away with victory, they will need their chief creator to be on form and supply the likely makeshift striker in Mikel Merino.
Eberechi Eze has dropped a number of impressive displays that the numbers perhaps do not show. Arteta will be hoping that his creator can lead his side into the international break off the back of another victory,
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The Stadium of Light
What time is kickoff?
17:30 GMT
How can I watch?
The game is live on Sky Sports, but will also be available on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme at around 10:30pm UK time or on iPlayer after then.