Arsenal XI vs Sunderland: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Premier League | OneFootball

Arsenal XI vs Sunderland: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Premier League | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Evening Standard

Evening Standard

·7 November 2025

Arsenal XI vs Sunderland: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Premier League

Article image:Arsenal XI vs Sunderland: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Premier League

Gunners to be without Viktor Gyokeres for Stadium of Light trip, but Mikel Arteta can turn to an able deputy

Mikel Merino is expected to lead the line again when Arsenal travel to Sunderland on Saturday.


OneFootball Videos


The Gunners are currently without all three of their recognised strikers as Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres are injured.

Merino is expected to play as a No9 in their absence and he did so against Slavia Prague on Tuesday, scoring twice.

“He’s such an intelligent and competitive player that he can adapt to any position,” said Mikel Arteta.

“Because, first of all, he’s so willing to do his very best, to understand what he needs to do. He’s always asking questions, and he’s a winner.

“Wherever he plays, the only thing he wants is to win, to contribute to the team. And when you have that mindset, things normally go well for you.”

Backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga looks unlikely to be involved as well after missing the win in Prague.

Article image:Arsenal XI vs Sunderland: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Premier League

Mikel Merino is set to lead the line for Arsenal against Sunderland

AFP via Getty Images

Riccardo Calafiori is expected to come back into the defence in place of Piero Hincapie.

Martin Zubimendi missed Tuesday’s game due to suspension and will return to the base of midfield.

Eberechi Eze was named on the bench in Prague after starting the last six games in a row for Arsenal. He will hope to come back into the team in place of Ethan Nwaneri.

Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard

Injured: Arrizabalaga, Gyokeres, Havertz, Jesus, Madueke, Martinelli and Odegaard

Time and date: 5.30pm GMT on Saturday, November 8, 2025

Venue: Stadium of Light

How to watch: Sky Sports

View publisher imprint