Malaysian Gooner

Well, Arsenal’s title credentials will be put to the test this weekend at the Stadium of Light. While the Gunners have been magnificent at home this season, their away form has certainly flattered to deceive. The two losses in Manchester will be seen as blips in what has otherwise been a fantastic start to the season. Take away those two games, you have an unconvincing win against Fulham with Mannone playing a blinder, a draw against West Ham with us two up at half time and a flattering 4-1 trashing of Wolves in a match where for the first half hour the league’s bottom club were outplaying us. The 6-1 win over Everton being the only exception to this case.

Add to that the injuries sustained by Robin van Persie and Kieran Gibbs, and Arsenal are set for a very tough away match against a Sunderland side that were denied a win at Old Trafford with a last minute OG. That same side beat Liverpool two weeks later with a goal from a beach ball, but Sunderland dominated and deserved the win. Their home form has been phenomenal, Chelsea the only team to beat them at home this season.

Arsenal will look upon two absentees in the Sunderland lineup with a grin though. Kenwyne Jones is suspended and will be replaced by Fraizer Campbell up front. Campbell isn’t the worst of strikers but he has nowhere near the ability that Jones has. The lack of aerial presence will benefit Arsenal’s rather short defenders, especially with veteran William Gallas possibly fatigued after playing 120 minutes against the Republic of Ireland in midweek. Jones has been the perfect foil for Darren Bent this season and the former Spurs player certainly missed Jones in his abysmal display at White Hart Lane a fortnight ago. The other absentee in the Sunderland lineup will be ‘keeper Craig Gordon who broke his arm in that same game. He is set to be replaced by Marton Fulop in goal as Arsenal will soon find out if he’s going to be one of those ‘keepers that have made names for themselves playing out of their skin in order to keep a starting place. Sunderland will welcome the return of Lorik Cana though who returns from a suspension. Gooners will surely remember his name as he was heavily linked to us during his time with Marseille.

Eduardo is set to replace Robin van Persie at the forefront of the 3 man strike froce with Arshavin and possibly Nasri either side of him. The injury suffered by deputy LB Gibbs leaves Wenger with either Silvestre replacing him or Bacary Sagna moving to LB with Eboue taking up the RB spot. My preference would be the latter as Silvestre’s lack of speed is a liability. Armand Traore is more of a midfielder than a defender in my opinion.

Alex Song is one yellow card away from missing the Chelsea match and it will be interesting to see how cautious the Cameroonian will be in his tackles. He will be partnered by captain Cesc Fabregas and possibly Aaron Ramsey in midfield with Abou Diaby out and Denilson lacking match fitness. Manuel Almunia will stay in goal but it is unclear if either the returning Fabianski or Vito Mannone will be on the bench.

With Liverpool playing Man City at Anfield and a possible banana skin game for Man Utd against Everton, Arsenal could use a win to stay in touch with leaders Chelsea who play Wolves at Stamford Bridge.