Arsenal Preview

After the recent break in fixtures due to the international games, it is back to business on Saturday when Sunderland welcome Arsenal to the Stadium Of Light.

I have recently noticed how many players and staff at the SoL grew up as Arsenal fans or are very fond of the club. First off Niall Quinn our beloved chairman has a soft spot for the Londoners after he spent a number of years there learning his trade(Quinn actually scored on his first team debut against Liverpool, who had a central defensive pairing of Mark Lawrenson and Alan Hansen, lets hope the two of them are praising disco pants again after witnessing us gain three points from the couch of motd!).

Next up is manager Steve Bruce who has constantly stated his admiration for Arsenal's style of play and in particular Arsene Wenger. Brucie owes his French counterpart, after Wenger granted him three loan signings of Fabrice Muamba, Nicklas Bendtner and Sebastian Larsson when he was in charge of Birmingham City and they played a huge part in gaining promotion to the Premier League(behind ourselves of course).

Striker Darren Bent who returns from his run out for England last week, was a boyhood Arsenal fan along with defender Nyron 'Nuggsy' Nosworthy, but I am sure that will not stop them in trying to gain all three points for the people who pay their wages.

The Black Cats welcome back captain Lorik Cana, who missed the last game through suspension, he was the first PL player to be booked five times....shock. However defender Michael Turner misses out because he is another player who's style encouraged the referee to brandish yellow cards (although one was given as a Hull player). Lee Cattermole is still missing through injury and Craig Gordon is not available since breaking his arm in a collision with Spurs striker Jermain Defoe.

Good news though, is that Bolo Zenden and John Mensah are ready to return after missing the past few weeks through injury and left back George McCartney should shake off a minor knock.

So it is up to Bruce, who he decides to play as Sunderland look to get their first victory since the beach ball blast over Liverpool around a month ago.

Arsenal sit comfortably in second place, level with Manchester United and five points behind leaders Chelsea, but with a game in hand. The Gunners have been in impressive form again this season, free flowing and scoring plenty of goals. They have only lost twice in the league. Yet their is hope for the red and white faithful as the mackems held them to a draw last time they visited, whilst Arsenal also have a Champions League game on Tuesday with an ever extending injury list.

Kieran Gibbs and Robin Van Persie were injured recently playing for their countries. Defenders Gael Clichy and Johan Djourou are already missing as well as Theo Walcott, Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere, whereas Andrey Arshavin is a doubt.

Denilson, Lukasz Fabianski, Carlos Vela and Armand Traore should all make the squad to travel up north together with striker Eduardo who has just signed a long term contract to remain at the Emirates stadium.