Arsenal vs Sunderland: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 7 February 2026
On Saturday, 7 February, as part of Matchday 25 of the English Premier League, league leaders Arsenal will host Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium. Read our in-depth team preview and prediction for this clash.
Match preview
Arsenal come into this round as the sole leaders of the Premier League, having amassed 53 points from 24 games. Mikel Arteta’s side are in scintillating form: on Tuesday, the Gunners booked their spot in the League Cup final with a 1-0 win over Chelsea, and before that ruthlessly dismantled Leeds United 4-0 in the league. The main intrigue ahead of the game is the fitness of Bukayo Saka, who picked up an injury before the match against the Peacocks. However, even in his absence, the Londoners look like a well-oiled machine: the midfield partnership of Declan Rice and new signing Martin Zubimendi provides perfect balance, while Viktor Gyökeres continues his scoring spree. At home, Arsenal are almost invincible, suffering just one defeat this season.
Sunderland, under Régis Le Bris, are enjoying a solid campaign, firmly established in mid-table: the club sits eighth with 36 points and could even make a push for European qualification. The Black Cats travel to London in high spirits after a convincing 3-0 demolition of Burnley. The team plays highly organized football and doesn’t fear big names: in the reverse fixture, they managed to take points off Arsenal with a 2-2 draw. Adding extra intrigue is the return of Granit Xhaka to the Emirates, where he enjoyed a successful spell with Arsenal. For the visitors, this match is a chance to prove their claim to a top ten finish is no fluke.
Tactically, we’re set for a classic showdown: Arsenal’s total dominance versus Sunderland’s disciplined mid-block. The hosts will look to exploit the flanks, where Noni Madueke is currently a major threat, while the visitors will seek opportunities on the counter through the pacey Brian Brobbey. Expect a high-scoring affair, where the quality of Arsenal’s attacking talents should make the difference.
Probable lineups
Arsenal: Arrizabalaga; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Odegaard, Martinelli; Gyokeres
Sunderland: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Cirkin; Diarra, Sadiki; Hume, Le Fee, Talbi; Brobbey
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the last five meetings, Arsenal have recorded three wins and two draws
- Arsenal have won four of their last five matches
- Sunderland have won three of their last five games, conceding in four of them
Prediction
I expect this to be a high-scoring encounter: Arsenal are firing on all cylinders up front, but their recent defensive displays have looked shaky, something Sunderland could exploit. My prediction: over 2.5 goals at 1.75
