Arsenal are looking to take another commanding step towards the Premier League title when they take on Sunderland this afternoon.
After their very impressive win away to Leeds United last time out, the Gunners are once again six points clear at the summit with 14 games left to go.
That big win at Elland Road followed by the victory over Chelsea that booked their place in the Carabao Cup final will have helped considerably ease the nerves around the Emirates.
Sunderland have already left their mark on Arsenal this season, however, holding them to a 2-2 draw back in November. The Black Cats have taken points off Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham this season and have demonstrated they are perfectly capable of causing problems for the big boys.
Metro’s LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage.
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February 7, 2026 1:50 pm
Sunderland XI to face Arsenal
Tony Mogan
Roefs, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo, Hume, Le Fée, Sadiki, Talbi, Diarra, Brobbey
Subs: Ellborg, Cirkin, Geertruida, Rigg, O’Nien, Angulo, Mayenda, Mundle, Isidor
February 7, 2026 1:47 pm
Arsenal XI to face Sunderland
Tony Mogan
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Havertz; Madueke, Trossard, Jesus
Subs: Kepa, Mosquera, White, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Eze, Martinelli, Gyökeres
February 7, 2026 1:46 pm
Saka and Odegaard out, Jesus leads the line
Tony Mogan
As expected, Saka and Odegaard are ruled out with injuries today.
February 7, 2026 1:40 pm
Will Jurrien Timber play today?
Tony Mogan
The Dutchman was a minor doubt after he missed training along with Saka and Odegaard this week.
But Timber is ‘fine’, according to his manager and is expected to be involved today.
February 7, 2026 1:39 pm
How Arsenal could line up this afternoon
Tony Mogan
Noni Madueke did well when called upon against Leeds while Odegaard’s absence could present another opportunity for Eberechi Eze.
February 7, 2026 1:36 pm
Arsenal team news today
Tony Mogan
Arsenal are expected to be without Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard today.
Odegaard was a surprise absence from the squad with Arteta revealing ahead of kick-off his skipper had ‘felt a niggle’ in the weekend victory over Leeds United.
Saka meanwhile withdrew from the starting XI that afternoon at Elland Road just minutes before kick-off with a hip injury, sitting out of the second-leg against Chelsea last night.
Arteta revealed on Friday that Odegaard is ‘still a few days’ away and while Saka is doing ‘much better’, this weekend is expected to come too soon for him.
February 7, 2026 1:33 pm
Is Arsenal vs Sunderland on TV?
Tony Mogan
Not today. Falling victim of the 3pm blackout, you’ll have to settle for us this afternoon.
February 7, 2026 1:30 pm
What time does Arsenal vs Sunderland kick-off?
Tony Mogan
We are underway at 3pm sharp this afternoon.
February 7, 2026 1:30 pm
Good afternoon!
Tony Mogan
It’s a second 3pm game in a row for the Arsenal – if it’s anything like last Saturday’s romp at Leeds it will be a good day for the Gunners.
All your team news and build-up is on the way.
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