Sunderland v Arsenal Tip

Arsenal have been capable of blowing teams away on their day for many years. The problem they have is that a 7-1 win over Blackburn last week doesn’t mean their old vulnerabilities have disappeared. Sunderland are the form team in the Premier league right now; best odds of 13/5 (BetVictor) on them winning again looks like outstanding value.

It’s hard not to wonder what position the Black Cats would currently occupy had Martin O’Neill been in charge all season. Ahead of the Gunners? Possibly. Sunderland have claimed 22 points since the former Celtic boss took over on 11 December - more than any other top flight side in that period. They have won their last three league outings without conceding a single goal.

In contrast, Arsenal were winless in four before the Blackburn game and they still haven’t won away in 2012. Wenger’s side have also failed to take maximum points on each of their last three visits to the Stadium of Light. The trip looks more daunting than ever this time.