Arsenal face a tricky test on the road this afternoon as Sunderland host the Gunners at the Stadium of Light.
Mikel Arteta’s side head into the game six points clear at the top and with Manchester City and Liverpool in action against each other on Sunday, that gap could widen beforethe weekend is out.
You have to go back to the end of September for the last time Arsenal conceded a goal with their fearsome backline looking impregnable.
But Sunderland have been causing one or two problems themselves this season, starting the day in fourth.
Granit Xhaka will be looking to do some damage to the club he once called home as the Black Cats try to find a way to halt the Gunners.
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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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November 8, 2025 4:19 pm
Confirmed Sunderland starting XI
Callum McAvoy
Sunderland XI: Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Geertruida, Reinildo, Traoré, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fée, Isidor
Subs: Patterson, Masuaku, Neil, Rigg, O’Nien, Talbi, Brobbey, Mayenda, Adingra
November 8, 2025 4:17 pm
Confirmed Arsenal starting XI
Callum McAvoy
Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Zubimendi, Eze, Saka, Merino, Trossard
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Hincapie, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Harriman-Annous
November 8, 2025 4:07 pm
Sunderland vs Arsenal TV channel
Callum McAvoy
Newcastle United v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
(Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
You can watch this match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
But why do that when you can follow all the action right here with our dedicated LIVE blog!
November 8, 2025 4:03 pm
Sunderland vs Arsenal kick-off time
Callum McAvoy
Sunderland v Arsenal - Premier League
(Credits: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Today’s match will kick-off at 5.30pm at the Stadium of Light.
Its already been an action-packed day in the Premier League with Man Utd salvaging a 2-2 draw at Tottenham thanks to a 96th minute equaliser from Matthijs de Ligt.
There are two games currently at half-time: Everton are 1-0 up against Fulham while West Ham vs Burnley is 1-1.
November 8, 2025 3:59 pm
Callum McAvoy
Sunderland v Arsenal - Premier League
(Photo by Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Good afternoon and welcome to Metro‘s LIVE coverage of the Premier League clash between Sunderland and Arsenal.
Will the Gunners extend their lead at the top of the table, or will the Black Cats continue to defy the odds?
The all-important team news is on the way…
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