Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil [Reuters] Reuters

Gus Poyet takes his men to the Emirates as Sunderland take on Arsenal for the weekend Premier League fixture on Saturday.

Where to Watch

Kick-off is set for 3pm GMT. Catch the highlights of the game on Match of the Day on BBC One and BBC One HD at 10:30pm GMT.

Overview

Arsenal come into the game after their 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at home in the first leg knockout round of the Champions League earlier this week. Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller's second half goals has seen the Gunners's hope diminish in progressing to the later stages of the European competition.

The game saw Wojciech Szczesny being sent off and he will be ineligible for the return leg. In the last five fixtures played in all competition, Arsene Wenger's side have managed only two wins, which includes a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Gus Poyet
Gus Poyet [Reuters] Reuters

The Black Cats have progressed to the quarter finals of the FA Cup after Sunderland registered a 1-0 victory over Southampton at the Stadium of Light. Craig Gardner's stunner in the second half was the difference between the two sides as Sunderland progressed further in the competition.

However, in the league, Sunderland have failed to find the rhythm as their poor form throughout the season has seen them sit 18 at the table, with 24 points from 25 games. Arsenal are second with 56 points from 26 games, trailing league leaders Chelsea by a point.

What Managers Say

Arsene Wenger: "It was just a decision based on performance. When I play Giroud in every game, people reproach me from playing him in every game. When I rest him, people reproach me for rested him. Tonight I rested him so you should be happy. It was not punishment, it was just a decision tonight."

Gus Poyet: "It's a great game for us – a great opportunity to do something important in the league. We will go there with no fear, to play our game, try to make things difficult for Arsenal and hopefully be the surprise of the day."

Team Form

Arsenal

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): L W D L W
  • Last Result: Arsenal 0-2 Bayern Munich

Everton

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W L W W W
  • Last Result: Sunderland 1-0 Southampton

Team News

Per Mertesacker
Per Mertesacker [Reuters] Reuters

Arsenal

  • Injured: Thomas Vermaelen, Kim Kallstrom, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Abou Diaby, Kieran Gibbs
  • Doubtful: N/A
  • Suspended: N/A

Probable Lineup: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Arteta, Flamini; Chamberlain, Ozil, Cazorla; Giroud

Everton

  • Injured: Keiren Westwood, Carlos Cuellar
  • Doubtful: N/A
  • Suspended: Wes Brown

Probable Lineup: Mannone; Bardsley, Celstka, O'Shea, Alonso; Johnson, Colback, Gardner, Ki; Borini, Fletcher