Sunderland vs Arsenal

Sunderland's fairytale return to the Premier League continues at the Stadium of Light, where a side that stunned everyone by finishing seventh and qualifying for the Europa League last season now hosts reigning champions Arsenal. Sunderland sit 11th early in the new campaign, while Arsenal, fresh off ending a 22-year title drought, are already up to 2nd and look to keep pace at the top. Sunderland opened with a 2-1 loss at Ipswich Town before beating Fulham 1-0, with record signing Habib Diarra and experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka central figures in the side. Arsenal have won both league games, beating Coventry City 3-0 with goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard, while Bukayo Saka remains their most dangerous creative outlet. Head-to-head, Arsenal have gone 13 matches unbeaten against Sunderland, winning nine and drawing four, though the sides shared a dramatic late 2-2 draw when they last met. Our prediction: 1-2