Arsenal face Sunderland in the early kick-off on Saturday with Arsene Wenger forced into making changes to his starting line-up.
The Gunners know that they have the chance to move clear at the top of the Premier League table with a win, albeit temporarily with their rivals in action later on.
Wenger confirmed this week that summer signing Lucas Perez is out for between six and eight weeks after picking up an injury in the win over Reading in the EFL Cup in midweek, and the Spaniard is joined on the sidelines by Nacho Monreal, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott, who were all doubts according to Wenger on Friday.
Sorry for the slight delay – here's how we line up for #SFCvAFC pic.twitter.com/eVnzoWAp9I
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) October 29, 2016
Despite the disappointment of being held to a goalless draw by Middlesbrough last weekend, it’s been a solid start to the campaign for Arsenal who remain unbeaten since the opening weekend.
With an impressive record against Sunderland over the years, coupled with the current predicament that David Moyes’ side find themselves in, many will be expecting an away win.
However, Wenger knows the importance of avoiding complacency and will be desperate to see his side produce a response after last weekend and return to north London with all three points as he displays the strength in depth in his current squad by being able to bring in quality replacements for his injured trio.
#SAFC XI to face #AFC: Pickford, Jones, Van Aanholt, O’Shea, Kone, Rodwell, Pienaar, Ndong, Khazri, Watmore, Defoe
— Sky Football ?? (@SkyFootball) October 29, 2016