Arsenal fans, brace yourselves for a lineup that could shake things up! As the Gunners prepare to face Sunderland in the Premier League, manager Mikel Arteta has some intriguing decisions to make. But here's where it gets controversial: with key players like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka nursing injuries, who will step up to fill their boots? Let’s dive into the predicted lineup and the latest team news.
Arteta shared some promising updates: ‘Martin is improving, and we expect him back in a matter of days.’ Meanwhile, Saka’s hip injury is healing, and Arteta hopes to see him back in action soon. And this is the part most people miss: if Ødegaard isn’t fit, Kai Havertz could slot into midfield, reprising his role from the Leeds match. But is Havertz the right man for the job, or should Arteta look elsewhere?
Saka’s absence could open the door for Noni Madueke, who impressed with a goal and an assist in his last-minute start at Elland Road. Here’s a bold take: could Madueke’s performance be a turning point in his Arsenal career? Meanwhile, up front, Viktor Gyokeres is vying to keep his spot over Gabriel Jesus, while Leandro Trossard might edge out Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing. Is this the right call, or are fans missing Martinelli’s spark?
Defensively, Riccardo Calafiori could make his first Premier League start since Christmas, bringing his unique left-back skills to the table. However, teenager Max Dowman remains sidelined with an ankle injury, and Mikel Merino’s season might be over due to a foot issue. Arteta confirmed, ‘Max is improving, but he’s still weeks away from training.’
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Havertz, Trossard; Gyokeres.
Injured: Dowman, Merino
Doubts: Ødegaard, Saka
Match Details: 3pm GMT, Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium, London.
Controversy Alert: With so many lineup changes, is Arteta taking a risk, or is this the perfect opportunity to test Arsenal’s depth? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with these choices, or would you make different calls?
