Quick Read
- Arsenal will host Sunderland in a Premier League match on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Emirates Stadium.
- Arsenal leads the Premier League table by six points, aiming to extend their advantage.
- Key Arsenal players Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard face fitness doubts for the match.
- Sunderland, an impressive newly-promoted side, currently sits eighth in the league standings.
- Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka will miss the game against his former club due to injury.
LONDON (Azat TV) – Premier League leaders Arsenal are set to host an in-form Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, February 7, 2026, as they aim to solidify their position at the top of the table. The high-stakes encounter comes amidst significant availability questions for manager Mikel Arteta, with key attacking and midfield players potentially sidelined, adding an unpredictable element to their pursuit of a first league title in over two decades.
Arsenal currently holds a six-point cushion at the Premier League summit, a lead they restored last weekend with a decisive 4–0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road. That triumph brought an end to a three-game winless run in the league and was swiftly followed by another crucial success midweek. Kai Havertz’s dramatic last-gasp winner against Chelsea in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final secured their ticket to the Wembley showpiece in March, offering an excellent opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s first piece of silverware since the 2020 FA Cup.
Arsenal’s Title Ambitions Tested by Sunderland
Despite their strong league position and recent cup success, Arsenal faces a tricky adversary in Sunderland. The Black Cats, under manager Régis Le Bris, have proven to be a resilient and surprising package this season, currently sitting eighth in the Premier League. Their impressive form includes a 3–0 win over Burnley last Monday, which renewed confidence ahead of their daunting visit to North London. Sunderland has shown they can trouble top teams, having previously beaten Chelsea and drawn with Liverpool away from home. The reverse fixture against Arsenal ended in a draw, with Brian Brobbey’s late equalizer denying the Gunners a full three points.
Sunderland’s away form, however, presents a contrast to their formidable home record. While they are the only unbeaten team at home, collecting 26 points from 12 games, they have struggled on the road, securing fewer points than only three other teams. They have won two, drawn four, and lost six of their away games, conceding the fourth most goals and scoring the second fewest, according to *DraftKings Sportsbook*.
Key Injury Concerns for Arsenal Ahead of Match
Mikel Arteta is managing significant squad concerns heading into the weekend. Star winger Bukayo Saka is facing a hip injury sustained during the warm-up against Leeds and is considered uncertain to miss out this weekend. Captain Martin Ødegaard’s availability is also in doubt due to a small muscle issue, making his participation less predictable. Midfielders Max Dowman and Mikel Merino are confirmed absentees, with Merino recently undergoing surgery on a foot injury that will keep him sidelined for an extended period.
These potential absences could force Arteta into crucial decisions regarding his attacking lineup. Viktor Gyökeres, who reportedly underwhelmed midweek, might be replaced by either Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz as the central striker, offering flexibility but also highlighting the reliance on depth. *Yahoo Sports* notes that Leandro Trossard is expected to start on the wing after scoring in the reverse fixture.
Sunderland’s Lineup Challenges and Tactical Approach
Sunderland also faces significant personnel challenges. Their captain, former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, will miss the reunion with his old club due to an ankle injury. Bertrand Traoré is also in the treatment room. Régis Le Bris has hinted that deadline-day addition Nilson Angulo could make his debut, though new signing Jocelin Ta Bi is not yet ready for match fitness. Despite these injuries, Sunderland boasts strong attacking options with Brian Brobbey leading the line, supported by creative midfielders like Enzo Le Fée and Chemsdine Talbi.
Tactically, Sunderland is expected to adopt a defensive approach, likely employing a back five to frustrate Arsenal’s potent attack and capitalize on any fatigue or complacency. However, even without the influential Xhaka, they will need an exceptional performance to secure any points from their visit to North London. Arsenal, conversely, possesses the strength in depth to make alterations and cover for injuries without a significant drop in quality, often finding a way to win even if they don’t always dominate their opponents, as observed by *Sports Illustrated*.
The ability of Arsenal to navigate these significant personnel challenges against a resilient and tactically astute Sunderland side will be a true test of their Premier League title credentials, underscoring the depth and adaptability required to maintain their lead in a highly competitive season.