Arsenal predicted line-up vs Sunderland: four key changes made amid major Bruno Guimaraes decision

Arsenal’s smashing start to the 2026/27 season continued on Wednesday evening, as Mikel Arteta’s side ground out a gutsy 1-0 win over Napoli in the Champions League. The Gunners were by far the dominant side, taking 25 shots to their opponents’ six, and will be delighted to have picked up three points on the road as they look to avenge last season’s final defeat to PSG.

With their 100% winning streak still in tact, the Gunners head into the weekend preparing for a stern test of their title-retaining credentials, with trip to take on Sunderland in the Premier League. The Black Cats held Arteta’s side to a 2-2 draw when the two sides met at the Stadium of Light last season, with a 94th minute Brian Brobbey goal denying Arsenal the win.

Ahead of the game, Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns to bother them. William Saliba remains out of action with a back injury sustained during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Jurrien Timber is closing in on his return from a groin injury. Centre-back Cristhian Mosquera is still out with a muscular problem picked up against Aston Villa last month.

As the countdown to the Gunners’ Saturday night trip to the North East continues, we’ve taken a look at the most likely starting line-up Arteta will pick as his side look to leapfrog Manchester City to the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal predicted XI vs Sunderland - goalkeeper and defence:

GK - David Raya: The Spanish stopper had three saves to make against Napoli, and continues to look an absolute bargain given that that Gunners only paid £27m to sign him from Brentford back in 2024. He’ll be between the sticks against the Black Cats, remaining well above the likes of Illan Meslier and Kepa Arrizabalaga in the pecking order.

RB - Ben White: Timber’s injury has seen White solidify himself as Arsenal’s first-choice right-back, and it will be intriguing to see whether that changes once the Netherlands international is back to full fitness. White will be hopeful of making England’s squad for their opening Nations League fixtures, which will be played during the upcoming three-week international break.

CB - Ezri Konsa: Arsenal’s new £55m centre-back has taken to their back line like a duck to water, and looks like he’s been part of Arteta’s regimented defence for years. He was exceptional against Napoli again and impressive in the 2-1 win over Chelsea last weekend - he will likely start against Sunderland amid Saliba’s continued absence.

CB - Gabriel: Many suggested the Brazil international was fortunate not to be sent off against the Blues, after accidentally kicking Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez in the head during a penalty area scramble. Gabriel escaped without any sanction, and will once again lead from the back as the Gunners look to pick up another clean sheet against Sunderland.

LB - Riccardo Calafiori: The Italian ace was afforded a full rest against Napoli, being named on the bench but not being called upon to make a substitute appearance. He’ll be fully fit and raring to go against the Black Cats, as he looks to build upon an impressive start to the 2026/27 season which has brought him two assists and two clean sheets.

Will Bruno Guimaraes start against Sunderland?

CM - Bruno Guimaraes: You’d imagine the combative former Newcastle United captain would relish the opportunity to make his first Arsenal start away to Sunderland. He’s been used sparingly by Arteta so far this season after suffering groin injury during the build-up, but he could be unleashed against the Black Cats on Saturday night.

CM - Declan Rice: The relentless midfielder played over 5500 minutes of football between Arsenal and England last season and during the World Cup that followed swiftly afterwards. It’s somehow still not caught up with the ex-West Ham star, who continues to be the invaluable beating heart of Arsenal’s all-action midfield.

AMR - Bukayo Saka: After a 2025/26 season blighted by injury and fitness issues, Saka is starting to look back to his formidable best. He saw a stunning overhead kick saved against Napoli, and will be looking to add to the two Premier League goals he’s scored already this season after netting against both Coventry City and Aston Villa.

AMC - Martin Odegaard: Fit, firing and back to his best, the Norway international has been in imperious form so far this season. He netted the winner in both Arsenal’s win over Napoli and the defeat of Chelsea, and looks set to be an integral part of the Gunners’ attack going forward now he’s overcome his injury struggles from the 2025/26 campaign.

AML - Christos Tzolis: The plan was always for the promising Greece international to play understudy to a big-money left wing signing, but after Arsenal failed to attract a host of high profile options including the likes of Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior, he’s been thrust into the limelight and thrived, providing two assists in four matches.

ST - Kai Havertz: After being rested against Napoli with Viktor Gyokeres taking his place, it looks likely that the German forward will be leading the line for Arsenal once more this weekend. He netted superbly against Chelsea, and will be eager to rack up a big goal tally this term after scoring just twice in the league last season.

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