Source: Team_Talk
TEAMtalk Predicts: Sunderland v Arsenal
We've made our predictions for the full season at TEAMtalk Towers but we know you can't wait that long to prove us wrong so we're giving you the chance to do it once a week.[LNB]We'll pick out one of the big Premier League games every weekend and one of our 'experts' will attempt to predict the result and scoreline. But we'll also get a prediction from a fan of each club to find out who knows the most about the beautiful game - TEAMtalk or the fans.[LNB]It's one point for a correct result and three if you can nail the right score, and we're keeping a tally so you can all see just now much we know (or don't know). Feel free to send in your own predictions too - and of course messages to compliment us on another job well done![LNB]Last Time Out[LNB]We featured Blackburn's clash with Portsmouth a fortnight ago and yet again got made to look like a bunch of fools after tipping Paul Hart's side to nick a draw.[LNB]It was our editor Simon Wilkes slipping up this time with a 2-2 prediction, but the 'hosts' made it three correct scorelines in a row as Blackburn fan Chris Tattersall saw his side's 3-1 win in his crystal ball. [LNB]Our resident Pompey supoorter picked up nothing after also tipping a draw to leave the 'visitors' bottom of our prediction table with just two points. TEAMtalk are second with four but the 'hosts' are now way ahead on 11 after another three-point haul.[LNB]Week Nine - Sunderland v Arsenal (Saturday, 3pm)[LNB]Arsenal have been absolutely flying in the Premier League recently and Steve Bruce must have had a few restless nights over the Gunners' 18 goals in their five games.[LNB]Sunderland on the other hand have stutted in recent weeks with no win in three, but only Chelsea have won at the Stadium of Light in the league this season and Arsenal go there without leading scorer Robin van Persie.[LNB]Kieran Gibbs heads a long list of other absentees for the visitors but the Black Cats are not without their own problems, with Craig Gordon, Kenwyne Jones, Michael Turner and Lee Cattermole all missing.[LNB]Match Facts[LNB]Arsenal have scored 36 goals from their 11 Premier League games this season - a new record - and have taken 19 points from their last 21. They are unbeaten in 13 games in all competitions and, even without Van Persie, boast one of the country's top scorers in Cesc Fabregas, who has six in the league and nine altogether.[LNB]Darren Bent, meanwhile, has gone three games without a goal for Sunderland as the Black Cats' form has tailed off a tad, but the England striker will be keen to add to his eight this season to get Bruce's men back on track.[LNB]He had scored in five successive games before his recent drought but Andy Reid (2) and Kieran Richardson (1) are the only other players available to have scored in the Premier League so far this season.[LNB]Saturday's game will be the 136th clash between the sides and results have been pretty even so far with Arsenal just ahead with 51 wins to Sunderland's 48.[LNB]Predictions[LNB]TEAMtalk - James Marshment: Sunderland look much improved this term and I have been impressed with the squad Steve Bruce has moulded together. They have that extra bite in midfield with Lorik Cana and the (currently sidelined) Lee Cattermole and, as a result, have only slipped up the once (to Chelsea) so far at home.[LNB]As well as missing Cattermole, Sunderland will also be without Kenwyne Jones and he would be one player I'd fancy the Gunners' backline not to enjoy facing. Fraizer Campbell, while a good prospect, just doesn't carry the same threat in front of goal.[LNB]Arsenal have well publicised injury worries of their own, and whilst the loss of Robin van Persie is a blow, the very fact that Eduardo will step in should ensure the flying Dutchman's absence is not felt. In fact, the Gunners are in rich form on their travels, having plundered in an impressive 16 goals so far - easily the best in the league - and you'd be hard pushed to go against that continuing.[LNB]And with Arsenal protecting an unbeaten 13-match run, I think they'll just about have the confidence and cunning to get a win on Wearside. Sunderland 1 Arsenal 2.[LNB]Sunderland fan - Mike Colman: Both clubs have been rocked by long-term injury problems in recent weeks so this game is probably going to be a lot closer than most people expect.[LNB]We have a very good goalkeeper in Marton Fulop to replace the injured Craig Gordon but we are certainly finding Lee Cattermole a huge miss and it will be no different on Saturday.[LNB]Arsenal will surely find Robin van Persie a massive loss but, even without him, I still expect Sunderland to have a big battle on their hands to contain the Gunners.[LNB]However one thing that I think will swing it our way is the large and passionate home crowd. My prediction is 2-1 home win. [LNB]Arsenal fan - Graham Sturdy: Sunderland have lost only one at home all season and have scored 15 Premier league goals at the Stadium of Light. With an investment of over £30million they are looking good for their pre season odds of 10-1 for a top-six finish. [LNB]This is a huge test for both teams, Arsenal because we have to prove to ourselves that without our star man up front we have the strength and spirit to go to a team who are worrying many more established teams and take the game to them and for Sunderland because this would be a huge scalp and one that could really cement their credentials fo a European finish. [LNB]Bent is on form with eight in the bag in the league, whilst Arsenal have hit 36 in the league. My prediction is a tough game with a lot of action. Sunderland will need to get the all important first goal because, as Wolves found out, you can outplay us for 20 minutes or so and still get hammered in your own back yard. Arsenal, on the other hand, need to learn their lessons of the past and not simply turn up assuming they will win. Take note Arsenal, remember Stoke! I expect a 2-2 draw.[LNB][LNB] Sunderland v Arsenal Correct Score: Arsenal 2-1 7/1
