The mutual antipathy between Sam Allardyce and Arsène Wenger may have diminished to the point where it has almost been consigned to history but the pair’s more mellow relationship does not mean they have lost their competitive edge. And especially not when so much is at stake. While a win would enhance Sunderland’s survival chances considerably, Wenger’s need to make certain of Champions League qualification – while keeping those critics calling for his summer-time replacement at bay – should ensure a certain spice. Louise Taylor
Kick-off Sunday 2.05pm
Venue Stadium of Light
Last season Sunderland 0 Arsenal 2
Live Sky Sports 1
Referee Mike Dean
This season G29, Y95, R9, 3.90 cards per game
Odds H 4-1 A 4-5 D 11-4
Sunderland
Subs from Pickford, Jones, O’Shea, Brown, Rodwell, Larsson, Toivonen, N’Doye, Watmore, Lens
Doubtful Lens (illness), Yedlin (ankle)
Injured none
Suspended None
Form DDDDLW
Discipline Y57 R2
Leading scorer Defoe 13
Arsenal
Subs from Ospina, Chambers, Gibbs, Reine-Adélaïde, Walcott, Giroud, Arteta, Rosicky, Wilshere, Gabriel, Ramsey, Campbell, Flamini
Doubtful Gibbs (back), Rosicky (match fitness), Wilshere (match fitness)
Injured Cazorla (knee, 30 Apr), Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee, 30 Apr)
Suspended None
Form DWWDDW
Discipline Y36 R4
Leading scorers Giroud, Sánchez 12
