[Teams] Sunderland vs Arsenal: Confirmed lineups as Arteta makes 3 changes

Arsenal will look to strengthen their position at the top of the Premier League with a win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light tonight.

The Gunners went into the weekend six points clear of second-placed Manchester City, so they will be hoping to extend that lead ahead of City’s big clash with Liverpool on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta has made three changes from the side that defeated Slavia Prague 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. David Raya is among those to keep their place as the Spaniard starts between the sticks again for Arsenal tonight.

Jurrien Timber is once again in the right-back position with Ben White on the bench, while Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba continue their strong partnership. Riccardo Calafiori is recalled as left back while Piero Hincapie makes way.

In midfield, Martin Zubimendi returns to the holding role after missing the match against Slavia Prague due to suspension. Declan Rice starts again for Arsenal, while Eberechi Eze is recalled after being left on the bench in midweek. Ethan Nwaneri drops to the couch.

Bukayo Saka will once again start on the right flank for the Gunners while Leandro Trossard retains his place on the left of the front three. With Viktro Gyokeres still out, Mikel Merino leads the charge for Arsenal and will look to strengthen his support in midweek.

Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz join Gyokeres on the touchline, so Arsenal have just three teenagers to call on from the bench as attacking options.

For Sunderland, Granit Xhaka will take on his old side, while Wilson Isidor leads the line up front.

Here are the confirmed line-ups:

Sunderland

Rafting; The Humes, Mukiel, Ballard, Greeda, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki, Traore, Le Fee; Isidor.

Subs: Patterson, Masuaku, Neil, Rigg, O’Nien, Talbi, Brobbey, Mayenda, Addingra, Addingra

Arsenal

Raya, Timber, Lintasa, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Trossard, Merino.

Subs: Arrizabalaga, White, Lewis-Skelly, Hincapie, Mosquera, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Dowman, Harriman-Annous.