---
title: "Sunderland vs Arsenal: Match Preview"
canonical: "https://readsunderland.com/2016/01/08/sunderland-vs-arsenal-match-preview/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Chris Sparks"
section: "Articles"
published: "2016-01-08T12:30:46Z"
modified: "2016-01-08T12:30:46Z"
---

# Sunderland vs Arsenal: Match Preview

Sunderland travel to Arsenal, the holders of the FA Cup, in the third round of this year’s competition. The Gunners have won back-to-back FA Cup trophies and are looking to make it three in a row this year. Sunderland have not won the competition since 1973 and although the cup is not a priority, Sam Allardyce will still be hoping to progress into the fourth round this Saturday. Big Sam is expected to field a weakened team at the Emirates, with a busy week ahead for the Black Cats.

**Kick-off –** Saturday 9th January @ 1500

**Venue –** The Emirates Stadium

**Referee –** Martin Atkinson

**Potential Sunderland** **Squad** **–** Pantilimon, Pickford, Mannone, Matthews, Jones, O’Shea, Laing, Yedlin, Coates, Van Aanholt, Cattermole, Lens, Gomez, Toivonen, M’Vila, Johnson, Borini, Graham, Watmore, Fletcher.

**Injuries:** Kaboul (Hamstring), Larsson (Hamstring), Rodwell (Knock), Kirchoff (Awaiting International Clearance).

**Potential Arsenal Squad:** Ospina, Gibbs, Cech, Monreal, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Macey, Debuchy, Bellerin, Chambers, Gabriel, Ramsey, Cazorla, Walcott, Arteta, Flamini, Ozil, Campbell, Ox-Chamberlain, Iwobi, Giroud, Sanchez.

![Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Sport](https://1l96uyvnit-flywheel.netdna-ssl.com/https://media.readsunderland.com/readsunderland/2015/12/498621090.jpg)

**Injuries:** Rosicky (knee, Jan), Wilshere (fractured leg, Jan), Welbeck (knee, Feb), Coquelin (knee, Mar).

**Read Sunderland’s Prediction:**

This will be a very tough ask of Sunderland, with many players running on empty. I can’t see the Black Cats coming away with a cup upset this weekend.

*Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland*