Arsenal welcome Sunderland to the Emirates in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with the Gunners holding a six point lead at the top of the table heading into the weekend. Kick-off is at 15:00 on Saturday 7 February, and below you can find our match preview and best bets.
Best Bets & Predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal to win & over 2.5 goals | 4/5 @ BOYLESports (55.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Arsenal look a strong bet this weekend, with an outstanding home record against newly promoted sides and a long unbeaten run in these fixtures. Sunderland have impressed at times this season, but this feels like a step too far at the Emirates. The visitors are winless in seven away games, though they may still get on the scoresheet. Goals look likely, with over 2.5 landing in most recent Arsenal matches and in each of Sunderland’s last four. |
| Declan Rice Anytime Assist | 10/3 @ BOYLESports (23.1%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Declan Rice has been key for Arsenal this season and looks a strong option to create chances on Saturday. The former West Ham player has nine assists in 31 games across all competitions, including setting up goals in both Carabao Cup semi-final legs against Chelsea and in the 2-1 league win over Brighton, Arsenal’s last home league victory he featured in. |
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
How both teams go into Arsenal vs Sunderland
Arsenal had been struggling for form, winless in three league games and failing to score in two, but they responded in style with a 4-0 thrashing of Leeds at Elland Road, despite losing Merino and Saka to injury before kickoff. Their performance left them six points clear at the top as rivals dropped points.
The Gunners also secured a 1-0 win over Chelsea in the EFL Cup semi-final, keeping their quadruple hopes alive. They now aim for a fourth consecutive win and to extend their unbeaten run to 44 home games against newly promoted teams, a joint-record in the Premier League.
Sunderland have bounced back after a poor festive run, winning three of their last four games, including a 3-0 win over Burnley. The Black Cats sit eighth, just a few points off the top four, and have shown they can challenge the big teams at home, including holding Arsenal to a 2-2 draw in November.
Away form has been a different story, with Sunderland winless in their last seven Premier League trips since beating Chelsea in October. A win at Arsenal would make them the first promoted side to beat both the Gunners and Chelsea in the same season, something they haven’t done since 1983.
Arsenal team news
Max Dowman, Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino are out injured.
Sunderland team news
Granit Xhaka, Arthur Masuaku and Bertrand Traore will miss the trip to North London.
Season Form & Standings
2025/26 season to date: Arsenal continue to set the pace at the top, having collected 53 points from 24 matches thanks to their league-leading defence (17 goals conceded) and a potent attack (46 goals scored). Sunderland, meanwhile, are enjoying a solid campaign and sit 8th, showing resilience but a clear gulf in attacking output compared to the hosts.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 1 | 24 | 16 | 5 | 3 | 46 | 17 | +29 | 53 |
| Sunderland | 8 | 24 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 27 | 26 | +1 | 36 |
Head-to-Head
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Sunderland, winning two and drawing one, and have outscored them 9–3 over that run.
Last 6 Meetings
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 08/11/25 | Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal | Premier League |
| 21/12/21 | Arsenal 5-1 Sunderland | League Cup |
| 16/05/17 | Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland | Premier League |
Conclusion: Can Sunderland Defy the Odds?
Arsenal’s statistical dominance in both attack and defence, coupled with their home record amakes it hard to oppose the hosts on Saturday. The best bet on the cards looks to be backing Arsenal to win and over 2.5 goals at 4/5 with BOYLESports.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
