Match preview
Saturday night under the lights at the Stadium of Light — Sunderland v Arsenal has all the ingredients for a proper Premier League occasion. The Black Cats are back among the big boys and will fancy their chances of making life uncomfortable for the reigning champions. Arsenal, meanwhile, will arrive knowing this is exactly the sort of away trip where title contenders are expected to deliver. Kick-off is 8pm on Saturday 12 September
Recent form
Arsenal couldn’t have wished for a better start to their title defence, opening the season with a 3-0 win over Coventry. Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has been a different story, but their impressive home record last season showed just how difficult the Stadium of Light can be for visiting sides.
Head-to-head
History heavily favours Arsenal, but Sunderland have already shown they can give the Gunners a fright. Their most recent meeting at the Stadium of Light in November ended 2-2, with Sunderland grabbing a dramatic injury-time equaliser after Arsenal had taken the lead. The Black Cats will be hoping that memory gives them belief rather than fear.
Why fans are watching
Can Sunderland spring a Saturday-night surprise? The Stadium of Light should be rocking as the newly promoted Black Cats welcome the reigning champions. Arsenal have the pedigree and expectation, but Sunderland have home advantage, momentum and a crowd that will believe anything is possible. Will the Gunners fire their way to another win, or can Sunderland send the North East into delirium? Most importantly — who does the world WANT to win?
Cast your vote above to see whether football fans around the world are backing Sunderland or Arsenal before kick-off.
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