Arsenal vs Sunderland: Team News and Match Preview
In the ever-competitive world of the Premier League, Arsenal welcomes Sunderland to the Emirates Stadium on February 7, 2026, for what promises to be a pivotal encounter. Fresh off a dramatic last-minute victory against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, the Gunners are riding high on momentum. This home fixture against the Black Cats offers Mikel Arteta's side a chance to solidify their position in the top four race. With key returns and absences shaping the narrative, let's break down the team news, tactical setups, and what to expect in this mid-season clash.
Arsenal's Lineup: Returns and Rotations
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made strategic tweaks to his starting XI, balancing freshness with form. Gabriel Jesus leads the attack, replacing Viktor Gyokeres who drops to the bench after a solid midweek showing. Up front, Kai Havertz earns just his second league start of the season, coming off that heroic winner against Chelsea. His versatility in midfield and forward roles could be crucial against Sunderland's organized defense.
Between the posts, David Raya reclaims his spot from the cup tie, bringing his impeccable shot-stopping to the Premier League stage. Defensively, Riccardo Calafiori makes his first league start of 2026 at left-back, with Piero Hincapie among the substitutes. Jurrien Timber holds the right flank, while the central pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes remains a rock-solid foundation.
Midfield sees Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice anchoring the engine room, providing the steel needed to control possession. Leandro Trossard slots in on the left wing, taking over from Gabriel Martinelli, who is rested on the bench. Noni Madueke adds flair on the right. Notably absent are captain Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Mikel Merino due to injuries, forcing Gabriel to wear the armband and step up in leadership.
Subs bench: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Hincapie, Eze, Martinelli, Gyokores, Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly.
Key Arsenal Players to Watch
Havertz's inclusion is a game-changer. His goal-scoring instinct from Tuesday could unlock Sunderland's backline, especially against former Arsenal academy product Dan Ballard. Jesus, thriving in his central role, will look to exploit spaces with his movement and pressing. Rice's all-action display in midfield will be vital to disrupt Sunderland's transitions.
Sunderland's Setup: Stability with Absences
Sunderland, under their current management, opts for continuity after a convincing 3-0 home win over Burnley earlier in the week. Goalkeeper Roefs retains his place, backed by a defense featuring Mukiele at right-back, Ballard in the center alongside Alderete, and Mandava on the left. Ballard's experience from his Arsenal youth days adds an intriguing subplot—he'll be eager to prove a point against his old club.
Midfield is the engine for the visitors, with Hume, Sadiki, and Le Fee dictating tempo. Up top, Diarra, Talbi, and Brobbey form a dynamic front three, capable of quick counters. Unfortunately, Granit Xhaka misses out through injury, depriving Sunderland of his seasoned presence in the holding role—a blow against Arsenal's attacking prowess.
Subs: Ellborg, Geertruida, Cirkin, Rigg, O'Nien, Mundle, Angulo, Isidor, Mayenda.
Tactical Insights for Sunderland
Expect a compact shape from the Black Cats, focusing on absorbing pressure and hitting on the break. Brobbey's pace could test Calafiori's relative inexperience at left-back. Le Fee's creativity in midfield will be key to feeding the forwards, but without Xhaka, vulnerabilities in possession retention might emerge.
Head-to-Head History and Stakes
Historically, Arsenal holds the upper hand in this fixture. The Gunners have won the last five meetings against Sunderland, including a 2-0 victory in their most recent Premier League encounter. At the Emirates, Arsenal's home form has been formidable this season, conceding just four goals in their last ten league games on home soil.
For Arsenal, three points here would extend their unbeaten run and keep the pressure on the league leaders. Sunderland, fighting mid-table security, needs a result to boost confidence after a mixed away record. The atmosphere at the Emirates, with over 60,000 fans, will be electric, amplifying the intensity.
Prediction and Final Thoughts
Arteta's men should edge this one, leveraging their depth and home advantage. A 2-1 win for Arsenal seems likely, with Jesus or Havertz on the scoresheet. However, Sunderland's resilience could make it tighter than expected—don't rule out a late twist.
This match underscores the Premier League's unpredictability. As the Gunners push for Champions League spots and defend their European crown, every game counts. Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis on Everythiiing.com.
(Word count: 728)
