Chris Sutton shares what Sunderland can’t afford to do vs Arsenal as prediction made
Chris Sutton has shared his concerns for Sunderland ahead of Saturday’s clash with Arsenal.
Sunderland secured a point in a 1-1 draw with Everton last time out, taking them up to 18 points from their first 10 fixtures back in the Premier League.
Arsenal travel to the Stadium of Light next, looking to build on what has been an almost flawless start to the campaign for the Gunners.
It will undoubtedly be the Black Cats’ biggest test of the campaign yet, and Sutton can only see one thing happening if they do what they did in the latest clash with Everton.
Sunderland must start well vs Arsenal
Sunderland are not expected to beat Arsenal, nor are they even expected to come away from the game with anything more than they enter it with.
However, as the Black Cats have shown this season, they are more than capable of causing an upset, and to get anything against the Gunners on Saturday would certainly be that.
However, after Sunderland started very poorly against Everton last time out, Sutton has explained how a repeat of their early display could be damaging against Arsenal.
Via BBC Sport, he said: “Sunderland improved a lot as their game went on against Everton, but they got a real good going-over in the early stages.
“They cannot afford to start like that against Arsenal, who have superior players and are such a threat from set-pieces too.
“Can Sunderland cause them problems? Absolutely, but I think this latest Arsenal win will come off the back of another Arsenal clean sheet.“
Sutton went on to predict a 2-0 win for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Omar Alderete’s absence will be felt vs Arsenal
Sunderland look set to be without Omar Alderete for Saturday’s clash with the Gunners, and it will be a huge blow.
Arsenal’s main threat is from set pieces, and Alderete’s aerial ability has been crucial to the success that the Black Cats have found so far this season
It means that Regis Le Bris will likely stick with the same defensive lineup as he did against Everton, though they will not be able to show a drop of complacency, like they did in the early stages last time out.
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