The Emirates Stadium hosts a David vs. Goliath clash this Saturday, February 7, 2026, as league-leaders Arsenal take on the season's surprise package, Sunderland.
The Gunners are currently in peak form, sitting 6 points clear at the top of the table after a dominant 4-0 win over Leeds and a midweek Carabao Cup semi-final triumph over Chelsea. Meanwhile, Régis Le Bris' Sunderland side continues to defy the critics, sitting comfortably in 8th place and dreaming of European football after a clinical 3-0 victory against Burnley.
Match Details
Fixture: Arsenal vs Sunderland
Competition: Premier League (Matchday 25)
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 AM ET
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Referee: TBD
Pre-Match Analysis
Arsenal: The Title Charge
Mikel Arteta’s side is operating with clinical efficiency. Since their only home league defeat (to Manchester United) last month, they have been flawless. The "Gunners" have a formidable record against newly-promoted sides, remaining unbeaten in their last 43 home games against such opposition. With the quadruple still a mathematical possibility, Arsenal will look to exploit their lethal set-piece prowess—having already scored 14 goals from corners this season.
Sunderland: The Black Cat Surge
Sunderland enters this fixture as the ultimate "giant killers." They famously held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture back in November and have managed to stay within four points of the top five. While their away form has been their weak point (no wins in their last eight on the road), their defensive organization and the counter-attacking threat of Brian Brobbey make them a dangerous trap for a title-chasing side.
Team News & Injury Reports
Arsenal Team News
Out: Mikel Merino (foot surgery) and teenage sensation Max Dowman (ankle) are sidelined.
Major Doubt: Bukayo Saka missed the midweek cup tie with a hip problem and is unlikely to be risked.
Doubtful: Captain Martin Ødegaard and defender Jurrien Timber both missed training on Thursday; Ødegaard is facing a late fitness test on a "niggle."
Player to Watch: Viktor Gyökeres. The striker has been a revelation and will be the focal point of the attack if Saka is unavailable.
Sunderland Team News
Out: Former Arsenal skipper Granit Xhaka is denied a homecoming due to an ankle injury. Bertrand Traoré and Jocelin Ta Bi are also ruled out.
Available: Omar Alderete is expected to be fit despite limping off in the previous match.
Player to Watch: Daniel Ballard. The former Arsenal academy product will lead the defense against his old club and is looking to become the first Sunderland player in 72 years to score home and away against the Gunners in a single season.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard (or Eze); Madueke, Gyökeres, Trossard.
Sunderland (5-4-1):
Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Le Fée, Diarra, Sadiki, Talbi; Brobbey.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Emirates Fortress: Arsenal has 43 wins in 77 home games against Sunderland.
Recent Draw: The last meeting ended in a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light (Nov 2025).
Defensive Record: Arsenal has the best home defense in the league, conceding only 0.67 goals per game.
Away Struggles: Sunderland is ranked 19th for away goals scored this season.
Prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Sunderland
While Sunderland has the discipline to make this a frustrating afternoon for the hosts, Arsenal’s depth and home intensity should prevail. Even without Saka, the creative engine of Rice and Ødegaard (if fit) should provide enough service for Gyökeres to break through a brave Black Cats defense.
Top Betting Tips:
Match Result: Arsenal Win & Under 3.5 Goals. Sunderland will sit deep and keep it tight.
Anytime Goalscorer: Viktor Gyökeres. He is the designated penalty taker and the main target for Arsenal's high-volume crossing.
To Keep a Clean Sheet: Arsenal. Their home defensive organization is currently the best in the country.
