vs
Arsenal head to the Stadium of Light in fine
fettle but face the first examination of their strength in depth as
Robin van Persie misses a tough trip to Sunderland.
Arsene Wenger's stylish Gunners have made light of those who
played down their title aspirations in the summer, as they sit
pretty second in the table, five points from leaders Chelsea but
with a game in hand.
However, key to much of their success has been the fine form of
striker Van Persie, whose goals and set-up play have been
instrumental throughout the campaign.
Which is why the sight of the technically talented striker lying
prostrate with an ankle injury while on international duty last
weekend will have alarmed Wenger and the club's supporters.
A trip to Sunderland is far from an easy task these days as
Steve Bruce has moulded a side now looking more than capable of
competing with the division's top dogs.
Having defeated Liverpool and drawn with Manchester United
already this term, the Black Cats faithful will be quietly hoping
for another upset at the weekend.
Goalkeeper Marton Fulop is set to begin an extended run in the
Sunderland side following injury to regular first choice Craig
Gordon.
The Scottish custodian will be out for three months after
breaking his arm in the defeat by Tottenham a fortnight ago.
Fraizer Campbell could start up front as Kenwyne Jones sits out
the second match of a three-game ban while defender Michael Turner
is also suspended.
Midfielder Lorik Cana returns from a ban while John Mensah
(calf) and Boudewijn Zenden (hip) are back in contention. Lee
Cattermole (knee) is another long-term absentee.
Van Persie is set for six weeks on the sidelines, which could
open the door for Eduardo da Silva to stake his claim for a regular
starting berth as he is likely to compete with Nicklas Bendtner to
spearhead Arsenal's attack on a regular basis.
The prognosis on the foot injury to England Under 21 defender
Kieran Gibbs is, meanwhile, also now more positive.
"Our medical staff called me saying he was in hospital in
Lithuania with a suspected broken metatarsal. Later on it, was much
better news," said Wenger.
Gibbs had been pencilled in to replace Gael Clichy (back) on the
left side of defence, but that role is now likely to be filled by
veteran Mikael Silvestre.
Wenger, though, has been boosted by the availability of
midfielder Denilson, the young Brazilian having been out of action
since mid-September with a back problem.
Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, Mexican striker Carlos Vela and
defender Armand Traore have also all left a busy treatment room
during the international break.
However, England Under 21 midfielder Jack Wilshere (ankle)
remains unavailable and Abou Diaby, who returned early from the
France camp, is still troubled by a calf problem.
Sunderland: Fulop, McCartney, da Silva, Mensah,
Bardsley, Malbranque, Reid, Richardson, Cana, Bent, Campbell
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Silvestre, Gallas,
Vermaelen, Ramsey, Song, Fabregas, Arshavin, Eduardo, Bendtner
