Gameweek 37 finally comes to its conclusion this evening as Arsenal take on Sunderland at the Emirates. Tonight’s match remains crucial for both sides. The Gunners need a win to clinch third and potentially allow Arsene Wenger to rotate at home to West Brom on Sunday ahead of the FA Cup final, whilst Sunderland need a point to seal their survival for another season.
Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at United saw all of their big-hitters fail to deliver the goods in the first match of the double. Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey were afforded significant investment prior to the deadline and their new batch of owners will be desperate for the Gunners to turn on the style. All four start this evening, although Arsene Wenger does make two changes – Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs come in for Francis Coquelin and Nacho Monreal. Laurent Koscielny is fit to start in central defence, despite a recent flu virus scare.
Sunderland arrive on a four-match unbeaten run, though, and have conceded more than a single goal just once in seven matches under Dick Advocaat. Can the Black Cats record a third straight shut-out for the first time this term and reward owners of Costel Pantilimon and Patrick van Aanholt again? The Black Cats make just one change – Adam Johnson starts on the flank as Liam Bridcutt misses out through injury.
