EPL Preview: Arsenal Vs. Sunderland

ARSENAL



Vs.[/color]

SUNDERLAND



TEAM NEWS

ARSENAL
The Gunners have lost more than half of their league matches this season and have the fourth worst goal difference in the Premier League. It’s hard to pinpoit exactly one thing that has led to this huge dropoff in Arsenal’s performance, but the loss of Fabregas and Nasri in the centre of the midfield certainly has plenty to do with it. It’s more of a case of a long term decline in the team’s talent level however that seems to be the core problem. Time and time again, the team’s premiere stars have been replaced with lesser caliber players, starting all the way back with the departure of Thierry Henry, and it’s only natural that you might wake up one day to find that your team’s lone star is none other than fragile forward Robin van Persie. Arsenal’s defense has been one of their weakest areas this season and with a bunch of inexperienced young players holding the fort, it’s no surprise that they have succumbed under the immense pressure. Vermaelen and Sagna are out for this one which should do them no favor. Koscielny, Rosicky, and Djourou are expected to return but their effectiveness in the toughest league around needs to be questioned. After the loss to rivals Spurs last matchday, a win is not only imperative, but an absolute must.

SUNDERLAND
If it wasn’t for a rally to get the draw after being 0-2 down at home against West Brom, Steve Bruce might have found himself in the firing line at Sunderland. Bruce has tried to take the pressure off himself and put it squarely on the shoulders of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger ahead of the match, calling the scrutiny experienced by the French boss in recent weeks as ‘ridiculous’. Perhaps he would be wise to think about himself with a win looking unlikely as main striker Nicolas Bendtner is ineligible to play against his parent club. Expect the Black Cats to field a conservative 4-5-1 formation with abscences of Conor Wickham, Fraizer Campbell, Titus Bramble and Phil Bardsley.

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Posted: at 15-10-2011 12:14 AM (12 years ago) | Gistmaniac

since  fabrigas left arsenal, its no morethe same

Posted: at 16-10-2011 02:52 PM (12 years ago) | Gistmaniac