Sunderland vs Arsenal: Predicted starting 11 for Gunners' trip to Stadium of Light

Arsenal take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday night as they bid to continue their 100% start to their Premier League title defence.

The Gunners were victorious in the Champions League in their latest outing, defeating a stubborn Napoli 1-0 to begin their European campaign with three points. Martin Ødegaard fired in a brilliant effort after a clever team move to win the game for his side late on.

Mikel Arteta opted to rotate his side with four changes for the trip to Naples, but he will likely revert to full strength in the North East and could have the benefit of Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera returning to the bench.

Here's how Arsenal could line up against Sunderland on Saturday night.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Sunderland (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - He will be disappointed to have not kept his run of clean sheets going against Chelsea, but after keeping Napoli at bay in midweek, he will be ready to do the same to Sunderland.

Ben White (RB) - Despite being seen limping towards the end of the win in Naples, White is expected to be fine and ready to start at right back once again tomorrow.

Ezri Konsa (CB) - Regardless of Mosquera's availability, there will be no displacing Konsa at centre back after another brilliant performance in midweek.

Gabriel Magalhães (CB) - He was solid alongside his partner and if there were somehow any doubts about his starting spot, he's eradicated them. Gabriel will start in defence on Saturday.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - Offered a midweek rest to allow Piero Hincapié the chance for some minutes, he should return at left back against Sunderland in a bid to continue his fine start to the season.

Midfielders

Martin Ødegaard (CM) - His Arsenal renaissance continued as he struck the winner against Napoli and he will be hoping to maintain his upturn in form as he starts at the Stadium of Light.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (CM) - One of those who were dropped for the clash with Napoli, Lewis-Skelly should slot back into the midfield for a test where his line-breaking passes and overall brilliance could be needed.

Declan Rice (CM) - His start to the season has been superb with several important performances and he will be eager to do the same as he starts against Sunderland.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - It wasn't quite his night in Naples, but his performance wasn't enough to see him dropped as he remains the starter on the right flank.

Kai Havertz (ST) - Dropped to the bench to allow Viktor Gyökeres a chance, the Swede didn't impact enough to prevent Havertz from returning to the starting lineup for the trip to the North East.

Christos Tzolis (LW) - Eberechi Eze failed to impress on the left wing against Napoli and as Tzolis assisted the winner off the bench, there is no doubt that the Greek will come back into the XI for this test.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Sunderland: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Lewis-Skelly, Rice; Saka, Havertz; Tzolis

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