Sunderland face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Black Cats picked up a battling point in the reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light back in November, with Brian Brobbey scoring a stoppage time equaliser to secure an unexpected 2-2 draw.
But as Regis Le Bris’ men prepare to make the trip to North London, both Sutton and Merson have taken a less optimistic view of the top flight new boys’ chances against the league leaders this time around.
What did Chris Sutton say about Arsenal vs Sunderland?
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton said: “I am not going to say 2-1 for this one. Instead it will be another Arsenal clean sheet - they have already kept 12 in their first 24 league games, two more than any other team.
“It's a shame Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka is not fit to face his old club at the Emirates. When he played for the Black Cats against Arsenal in their draw at the Stadium of Light, they were the first team I saw who really rattled the Gunners. Xhaka's experience has helped to glue together a Sunderland side with a lot of young players this season, but they coped all right without him against Burnley on Monday. This is a much tougher game for them, obviously, and Sunderland's away form is nowhere near as strong as it is at home.
“Arsenal swept Leeds aside 4-0 last weekend, when everyone thought they were having a bit of a blip. They showed their strength in depth at Elland Road, when they lost Bukayo Saka in the warm-up, and I can see them winning comfortably this time too.”
Sutton has forecast a 2-0 victory to Arsenal.
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What did Paul Merson say about Arsenal vs Sunderland?
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson said: “I think the title will be wrapped up this weekend. I can't see Arsenal dropping points in this game. If Arsenal win, they will be nine points clear at the top and then Manchester City go to Anfield, which means it will all be over on Sunday!
“Noni Madueke came in for Bukayo Saka after an injury during warm-up the other day. And in that game, they introduced Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli and Riccardo Calafiori off the bench! How many of these good players are not getting in their team?
“Arsenal went about it so quietly and built a really strong squad. I remember Pep Guardiola doing it at Manchester City but that was big news with players costing £60 or £70 million. But Arsenal have just built an unbelievable squad so quietly.
“I don't think Arsenal's quadruple credentials are being talked about enough. Nowhere near as much as when Manchester City and Liverpool were chasing it. The FA Cup will be the toughest trophy to win for them. They got a nice draw now, but if they play Manchester City, Chelsea or Liverpool in the next three rounds, they won't win! The league may be wrapped up, they could win the Champions League because I don't see a team that can beat them over two legs, but the FA Cup is different. You have 90 minutes and then you go straight to penalties, anything can happen in that competition.
“Sunderland were great in the win over Burnley last time out. But I expect a comfortable win for Arsenal in this game.
Merson has also opted for a 2-0 Sunderland loss.
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