PREVIEW: Mikel Arteta looks to continue impressive Premier League run as Arsenal travel to Sunderland
Arsenal return to the Premier League against Sunderland aiming to continue their unbeaten run.
Mikel Arteta’s side are six points clear at the top of the table ahead of title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
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The Gunners travel to the Stadium of Light after a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last seven league matches and also beat Brighton to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
They are now looking for a ninth Premier League win and will remain top of the Premier League table regardless of results before the international break.
The last time Arsenal visited the Stadium of Light was in October 2016, where they beat the hosts 4-1 in the Premier League.
The Gunners will be without six of their key players to face Sunderland.
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Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus will be unavailable due to injuries.
Meanwhile, hosts Sunderland have been the surprise of the season so far with their impressive form in the Premier League.
The newly promoted team sits fourth in the Premier League after five wins, two draws and three defeats.
The Black Cats are unbeaten in their last three league matches with wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea, while also drawing a draw against Everton.
Régis Le Bris’ men are winless in their last 15 Premier League meetings against Arsenal, with five draws and ten defeats.
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The last time Sunderland beat Arsenal at the Stadium of Light was a 1-0 victory in November 2009.
The hosts sit fourth in the Premier League and could finish second in the table if they beat Arsenal and that will depend on other results.
Sunderland will be without Habib Diarra, Aji Alese, Romaine Mundle, Leo Hjelde and Dennis Cirkin due to injuries.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK with a kick-off time of 5:30 p.m. GMT.