Arsenal head to the Stadium of Light on Sunday looking to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season against Sunderland on matchday four.
Mikel Arteta’s side secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Napoli in the Champions League during the week, keeping their winning run across all competitions intact.
Both of Arsenal’s away wins this season have come by a 1-0 margin, underlining a disciplined defensive approach on the road under Arteta.
The Gunners are expected to make four changes to the starting lineup that faced Napoli, with rotation and fitness concerns shaping the predicted XI.
David Raya is set to retain his place in goal, with the Spaniard preferred ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper this season.
Ben White is expected to continue at right back, with Jurrien Timber yet to return to full fitness and therefore unlikely to feature from the start.
Riccardo Calafiori could come in at left back to replace Piero Hincapie, while Gabriel Magalhães is expected to maintain his position in central defence.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is set to return to the midfield after being rested against Napoli, lining up alongside the influential Declan Rice in the engine room.
Martin Odegaard is expected to operate in an advanced midfield role, providing creativity and control as Arsenal look to break down a resolute Sunderland side.
Bukayo Saka is likely to continue on the right wing, while £34 million summer signing Christos Tzolis is expected to earn a start on the left flank.
Eberechi Eze could drop out of the starting eleven to accommodate Tzolis, with the Greek winger handed an opportunity to impress in the Premier League.
Kai Havertz is predicted to lead the attacking line for Arsenal, with Viktor Gyokeres dropping out of the XI for this weekend’s fixture at Sunderland.