Arsenal will look to preserve their six-point cushion atop the Premier League when they host Sunderland this weekend.
The Gunners are in formidable form at the moment, having lost just one of their last 15 matches, and knocked Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday thanks to a late Kai Havertz strike.
They face something of a banana skin as the Black Cats take to north London.
Sunderland have been the surprise package of this Premier League season, and sit eighth midway through their first season back in the top flight.
Their results have faltered somewhat of late, though, winning just two of their last nine outings, and have their work cut out for them if they are to get back to form here.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Arsenal vs Sunderland is scheduled for a 3pm GMT kick-off on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
The match will take place at the Emirates Stadium in north London.
Where to watch Arsenal vs Sunderland
TV channel: In the UK, the game will not be televised live as it lands during the 3pm Saturday blackout.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Matt Verri at the ground.
Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights from 5.15pm GMT with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.25pm.
Arsenal vs Sunderland team news
Bukayo Saka is expected to remain on the sidelines until the end of the month with a hip injury, but Mikel Arteta has revealed the Arsenal winger is making good progress.
The same can be said of captain Martin Odegaard who has not featured in either of Arsenal’s last two matches, missing out on the matchday squad altogether against Chelsea with a “little niggle.”
Jurrien Timber, however, is fine despite not being spotted in a training session earlier in the week.
Mikel Merino and Max Dowman will both miss out with foot and ankle injuries, respectively.
Arthur Masuaku, Bertrand Traore and January signing Jocelin Ta Bi are weeks away from making a matchday squad.
Arsenal vs Sunderland prediction
Many of Arsenal’s recent performances have been less than perfect, but they have developed a remarkable grit and desire to grind out ugly wins.
Through a hectic winter calendar, they have made the most of their squad depth and pulled away atop the Premier League. Sunderland, meanwhile, have let their form fade after an injury to captain Granit Xhaka.
Add into the equation the Black Cats’ dreadful form away from home, and this match has the makings of a routine win for Arsenal.
Arsenal to win, 3-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Sunderland come into this match chasing a first win over Arsenal since 2012, and a first away from home since 2002.
Arsenal wins: 63
Sunderland wins: 50
Draws: 42
Arsenal vs Sunderland match odds
Arsenal to win: 1/5
Sunderland to win: 12/1
Draw: 4/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
