Starting XI: Same Again For Sunderland At Arsenal This Afternoon?

A ‘tough and exciting challenge’ is how Regis Le Bris describes today’s game at Arsenal, and on paper, this is our biggest challenge of the season against a team that looks like the champions in waiting. There’s room for positivity, however – Arsenal have only won one in their last four league games, three of which have been at home, so they’re not invincible. We, however, will need to be at our very best to have any chance at all, and we need to be a million times better than we were on our last trip to London a couple of weeks ago. New signing Nilson Angulo is in contention to be part of the matchday squad, and I expect we’ll see him start on the bench. With Xhaka still out, and Diarra and Talbi shining on Monday against Burnley, I can’t see any changes to the team that started last time out at the Stadium of Light.

Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs

Roefs probably won’t have an easier game in his career than he had on Monday night – it would be nice to think he’ll have a quiet afternoon today, but in all likelihood, he’s going to be hugely tested at The Emirates, and he’s going to have to be at his best.

Defence: Nordi Mukiele, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo

Reinildo returned to form against Burnley and his experience will be vital today. I’m looking forward to seeing Dan Ballard on his return to the club he started at, and he’ll likely form the centre of defence with Omar Alderete, with Nordi Mukiele completing the back four.

Midfield: Trai Hume, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fee, Chemsdine Talbi

I thought Trai Hume was fortunate to keep his place on Monday, and if Geertruida hadn’t been linked with Liverpool in the lead up to the Burnley game he may not have started – but he played very well and will retain his place in that hybrid midfield/wing/defence position. Noah Sadiki and Enzo Le Fee played will in the centre of the field and they’ll likely stay in those positions, with Diarra given licence to join the attack, and Talbi providing attacking flair and hard work from the left of the midfield.

Forward: Brian Brobbey

The man mountain will start again up front and after grabbing an equaliser at the Stadium of Light against the Gunners a couple of months ago, he’ll be keen to get on the scoresheet again. I love watching Brobbey play, and with Diarra getting close to him and providing an attacking link-up option, I think we’ll see him offer more and more over the coming weeks.