Sunderland vs Arsenal betting

Sunderland: League Position: 9th, Form: DWWD(ET W)L

Last weekend’s defeat at home to this week’s cup opponents Arsenal was Sunderland’s first home loss of the Martin O’Neill era. It would be a surprise however if the team changed from this spirited performance that so nearly earned them three points, yet ended with none.

Sunderland vs Arsenal odds

The attacking trio of Sessegnon, Campbell and the impressive young Irish winger James McClean have caused defences problems with their pace and trickery, and have transformed the attacking work of Sunderland. McClean has come through from the youth ranks, handed his place in the side by O’Neill and taking a firm grasp on it. His willingness to work hard and run at players with pace makes him an exciting talent to watch, especially with a bullet like left foot spraying crosses and shots around.

The manager will definitely be happy with how things have gone in his two months in Sunderland. They have only conceded 13 goals in his 15 matches, beaten the teams in and around them and been competitive against the bigger boys, even beating leaders Manchester City 1-0. With big names out and the league safety secure, is this a cup they can win?

Arsenal: League Position: 4^th, Form: WDWWL

The good form Arsenal brought into their midweek Champions League tie with AC Milan has been all but washed away after an embarrassing performance and convincing, humbling 4-0 drubbing was handed to them.

They must hope they can come back to domestic football and show the fight that got them through to this fifth round in the FA Cup. Recovering a 2-0 half time deficit to Aston Villa to win 3-2 is a fantastic reversal, and they must tap into this spirit to put the Milan game behind them.

The perfect way to do that would be to look at the game they played last weekend. The 2-1 victory at the Stadium of Light was achieved from behind, and they conceded with only 20 minutes remaining. They might not have Thierry Henry to grab them a winner this time, but they had more shots and more possession, chances will come.

Match Prediction: Arsenal Win – 2.63 Stan James

The last game finished 2-1 Arsenal, the game at The Emirates in October finished 2-1 Arsenal, it is looking a little tempting to back another and Arsenal progressing here.

The improvement of Sunderland makes them a hard proposition to face away from home, but Arsenal will feel confident they can repeat the victory of one week ago. If they had not lost so badly midweek you would expect them to look upon a draw as an awful result, but with that tie almost out of their grasp the FA Cup becomes the last hope of silverware for the Gunners.

Sunderland’s play will ensure both teams attack, they had seven corners last week, and they will work hard to stop Arsenal playing, then break fast.

Campbell and Sessegnon look threatening in every game, as does McClean, whilst Robin Van Persie and the ever improving Oxlade-Chamberlain will scare the Black Cats backline.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.91 Sky Bet

First Goalscorer: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 11.00 Bet 365

Correct Score: 2-1 Arsenal – 9.5 Bet 365

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