Wenger heads north with returning players and the chance to build momentum.
Arsenal have made an impressive start to the season but the international breaks have cut short any momentum we have been able to build three times already. Today marks the start of a three month period where the league is the priority for every player at the club. We have all but qualified from our Champions League group so a good run for the next twelve weeks will leave us in an ideal position to launch a full on assault on both the Premiership and Europe’s top prize.
Sunderland provide the first challenge at the Stadium of Light and have a squad that has had almost a full two week rest in preparation for this game, as opposed to the two days that a number of our key players have been allowed. A win against Steve Bruce’s men would, in Wenger’s words, give the game against Chelsea ‘more significance’. Sunderland have struggled for consistency but are capable of big performances and a win there would give our title credentials real merit. Anything less and we will have more of a hope, than an expectation, of a push for the title.
Van Persie’s injury gives Eduardo the perfect opportunity to enjoy his first real run in the first team since his broken leg and the Croatian was in top form for his country last weekend, scoring two goals. Elsewhere, Denilson and Walcott return to the squad although they are unlikely to start and Arshavin’s exertions for Russia in the week may mean he is rested.
We have played remarkable football so far this season but these are the months in which results matter more than anything and it is traditionally the time in which we have struggled. A win this afternoon would crank up the excitement surrounding Arsenal another notch, just in time for the potentially epic meeting with Chelsea.
Prediction: 2-1 to The Arse