Sunderland v Arsenal: squad sheets

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/feb/08/sunderland-arsenal-squad-sheets

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Martin O'Neill has warned his players to be wary of Jack Wilshere's influence in Arsenal's midfield. "Wilshere's come on in leaps and bounds and he can cause us problems," said Sunderland's manager. "He's come back from injury and added another dimension to his game. He's got that little burst of pace which kind of reminds me of Liam Brady." While a knee injury means Lee Cattermole is unlikely to be around to tackle Wilshere, O'Neill's team must also attempt to damage Arsenal's hopes of finishing in the top four without Connor Wickham. The England Under-21 striker has been loaned to Sheffield Wednesday. <strong>Louise Taylor</strong>

<strong>Venue</strong> Stadium of Light, Saturday 3pm

<strong>Tickets </strong>£27 (0871 911 1973)

<strong>Last season </strong>Sunderland 1 Arsenal 2

<strong>Referee </strong>Anthony Taylor

<strong>This season's matches</strong> 16 <strong>Y</strong>36, <strong>R</strong>5, 2.56 cards per game

<strong>Odds </strong>Sunderland 11-3 Arsenal evens Draw 25-9

<strong>Sunderland</strong>

<strong>Subs from</strong> Westwood, Kilgallon, Cuéllar, Mangane, Bardsley, Vaughan, McClean, Cattermole, Graham

<strong>Doubtful</strong> Cattermole (knee), Cuéllar (hamstring), McClean (ankle)

<strong>Injured</strong> Brown (knee, unknown)

<strong>Suspended</strong> None

<strong>Form guide</strong> LDWWLL

<strong>Disciplinary record</strong> Y38 R0

<strong>Leading scorer</strong> Fletcher 10

<strong>Arsenal</strong>

<strong>Subs from</strong> Mannone, Martínez, Jenkinson, Yennaris, Squillaci, Santos, Diaby, Ramsey, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gnabry, Rosicky, Arshavin

<strong>Doubtful</strong> Koscielny (calf), Coquelin (hamstring), Walcott (foot)

<strong>Injured</strong> Gervinho (fatigue, 16 Feb), Fabianski (ankle, 23 Feb), Vermaelen (ankle, 23 Feb), Gibbs (thigh, Apr)

<strong>Suspended</strong> None

<strong>Form guide</strong> WDWLLD

<strong>Disciplinary record</strong> Y24 R2

<strong>Leading scorer</strong> Walcott 11

<strong>Match pointers</strong>

<strong>• There have been fewer goals scored at the Stadium of Light than at any other Premier League ground (26), in contrast to the most being netted at Arsenal's Emirates (51)</strong>

<strong>• Arsenal have conceded 62% of their goals in the first half of games – a league high proportion – and conceded fewer in total after the break than any other team (11)</strong>

<strong>• Stéphane Sessègnon has won the most free-kicks (58) in the top flight this term</strong>

<strong>• Lukas Podolski has had a hand in 10 goals in his past eight league appearances (four goals, six assists)</strong>