Dugout Discussion – Sunderland vs Arsenal

In the first of two Premier League contests this afternoon, Sunderland invite Arsenal to the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats secured their first win in seven outings last time out, while the Gunners will look to extend a six-match unbeaten streak.

Despite ranking sixth for attempts (59) across their last four matches, Sunderland recorded just four goals, registering the fifth-worst shot-conversion rate (6.8%). Further bolstering the visitors’ clean-sheet prospects, Sunderland place joint-fourth-bottom for goals (17) and bottom for big chances (12) in home ties. On the flip side, only five teams have conceded fewer goals on their own turf than Sam Allardyce’s troops.

Arsenal were one of the league’s dominant attacking forces in their last four outings, charting joint-second for goals (10), top for shots inside the box (49) and second for shots on target (29). Moreover, no side has amassed more goals (32) and shots inside the box (164) on their travels than the Gunners. From a defensive standpoint, Arsenal surrendered the fewest big chances (zero) over their last four fixtures and boast three clean sheets in five.