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Arsenal will hope to be at least six points clear at the top of the table heading into the November international break, and they will make sure of that if they can beat Sunderland on Saturday.
The Gunners have been in imperious form of late, winning 10 consecutive matches in all competitions and conceding only one goal in that run.
Mikel Arteta's team won 3-0 at Slavia Prague on Wednesday to maintain their place at the summit of the UEFA Champions League league-phase standings, and they know they will be top of the domestic top flight after this weekend regardless of results. However, should they claim three more points and title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool draw on Sunday, the Gunners will boast an eight-point advantage.
Sunderland have enjoyed a strong first few weeks since their return to the Premier League and are level on 18 points with defending champions Liverpool, so this will likely be a sterner test for Arsenal than was perhaps expected at the beginning of the season.
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Arsenal lineup today vs. Sunderland: Confirmed starting XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Raya (GK)
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori
Rice, Zubimendi, Eze
Saka, Merino, Trossard
Arsenal team news
The big absence for Arsenal is Viktor Gyokeres, who is unavailable due to the injury sustained at Burnley. Mikel Merino reprised his role as a makeshift striker in Prague and scored two more goals, so he keeps his place. Leandro Trossard is preferred to Gabriel Martinelli.
In midfield, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi return, the latter having recovered from a minor injury. Riccardo Calafiori is restored at left-back to bring a familiar feel to the league's most imposing back line.
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Arsenal injury list
Below is the latest injury picture for Arsenal, and estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.
Victor Gyokeres
- Injury: Muscular
- Expected return date: November 23, 2025
Gyokeres put in arguably his most impressive performance since joining from Sporting CP during Arsenal's weekend win over Burnley, but this was curtailed at halftime.
Arteta said the player had suffered "a little niggle" and he missed the game in Prague. He was not risked against Sunderland.
Kai Havertz
- Injury: Knee
- Expected return date: Late November
Havertz had a minor operation after damaging his knee in the opening win over Manchester United. Arteta is eager not to rush him back as the manager wants to keep the player fully fit for as long as possible. After the November international break is the target.
Gabriel Jesus
- Injury: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) (left knee)
- Expected return date: January 2026
Jesus has not played since suffering a serious knee injury in January 2025. Arteta said they are hopeful of having the striker back "between December and January", but he is cautiously optimistic that the Brazilian could return sooner.
Noni Madueke
- Injury: Knee
- Expected return date: Late November
Madueke hurt his knee against Manchester City in September and had to be substituted after attempting to play through the pain. The timeframe for his recovery was "weeks", and it seems unlikely he will be back until after the November international break.
Martin Odegaard
- Injury: Knee
- Expected return date: Late November
Captain Odegaard has been beset by injury problems this season. His latest, a knee issue, is expected to rule him out until the latter part of November, although Arteta has been wary of putting a precise estimate on his recovery time.
Sunderland vs. Arsenal match details
- Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Kickoff time: 5:30 p.m. GMT
- Location: Stadium of Light (Sunderland, England)
- Competition: Premier League matchweek 11
- Referee: Craig Pawson
- VAR: James Bell