At the Stadium of Light on Friday, 8 November 2025, high-flying Sunderland face Premier League leaders Arsenal in what promises to be a tactical and disciplined battle.
Pick: BTTS – No
Given Arsenal’s outstanding defensive record and Sunderland’s pragmatic home approach, a low-scoring affair with one side blanking looks most likely.
Sunderland: Compact and Consistent at Home
The Black Cats remain one of the season’s pleasant surprises, sitting in the top four and still unbeaten at home. Their strength lies in organization and set-piece efficiency rather than overwhelming attacking output. Michael Beale’s men tend to manage games well but create few clear-cut chances - all of their home fixtures have produced 2–3 total goals, reflecting a balanced but cautious approach. Against Arsenal’s elite defence, scoring will be a real challenge.
Arsenal: Impeccable Defensive Structure
Mikel Arteta’s side continue their 10-match winning streak in all competitions, combining control with defensive discipline. The Gunners have conceded just three goals in 10 Premier League matches, keeping eight consecutive clean sheets. Even with potential rotations, their structure rarely falters - the central pairing of Saliba and Gabriel, anchored by Rice, has been nearly flawless. Offensively, they score efficiently through Saka, Odegaard, and Havertz, often controlling matches early and shutting opponents down thereafter.
