Sunderland (1-5-2) only sit three points behind Arsenal, but they remain ten spots back in 17th against the Gunners seventh. Gus Poyet has an opportunity to see his side claim a big upset as the visiting club's defense is full of selection headaches.
Billy Jones, Sebastian Coates, Emanuele Giaccherini and Ricardo Alvarez are all unavailable through injury for the Black Cats.
Arsenal (2-5-1) continue to struggle in the Premier League as they need to start turning their draws into victories or they could find themselves well behind the top four heading into the middle of the campaign with much ground to make up.
David Ospina, Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy, Yaya Sanogo and Mesut Ozil are all injured, Jack Wilshere is suspended and both Theo Walcott and Serge Gnabry are still doubts as they work to return to fitness.
Projected Lineups
Sunderland XI: Mannone: Vergini, O'Shea, Brown, Aanholt; Cattermole; Johnson, Larsson, Rodwell, Wickham; Fletcher.
Arsenal XI: Szczesny: Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs; Flamini; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Ramsey, Sanchez; Welbeck.
