TEAM NEWS

Arsenal's Theo Walcott might return after five weeks out with a calf problem, and Laurent Koscielny could play despite hurting a hip last week.

But Santi Cazorla is likely to be out until March with a knee injury, one of a long list of Arsenal absentees.

Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe is out with a hamstring injury, and Sebastian Larsson, who has been troubled by a knee injury, is also sidelined.

Defender Billy Jones is available after being banned for the win over Stoke.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

John Motson: "In any other season, especially given Sunderland's record at Arsenal, this would seem like a straightforward home win.

"But it's now three league games without a win for the stumbling Gunners, while the improving Black Cats are aiming to make it three wins in a row.

"Sam Allardyce will be especially pleased by Sunderland's recent defensive record - three clean sheets in five matches is a firm basis on which to launch a relegation fight.

"And it could be a good time for his side to face Arsenal, who have an injury crisis and a Champions League group decider on Wednesday. Arsene Wenger faces some tricky selection decisions but one thing is clear: the Gunners need to turn their form around - and fast."

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "Our most important game is [against Sunderland], then we will see how to prepare for Olympiakos.

"We will expect a tough game. Sunderland are organised defensively."

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce on his relationship with Wenger: "Those early days were years and years ago and it's been much more amicable, our meetings, not just on match days, but also off the field when we have bumped into each other.

"But I have always had a huge amount of respect for Arsene and his quality as a manager. Winding-up became a procedure that we all use if and when we feel it necessary.

"I might have wound him up a time or two, but never disrespected him."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Arsenal have got some injuries to contend with before they head to Athens for their crunch Champions League game with Olympiakos.

But even with Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez out, I think they will be able to break Sunderland down.

Lawro's full predictions v Charlatans singer Tim Burgess

• Think you can do better than Lawro? Predict the score for this match and the rest of this round's Premier League fixtures in our Predictor game.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Sunderland have never won at Arsenal in the Premier League (D5, L9). Their last league victory away to the Gunners was in November 1983.
• Arsenal are unbeaten in the last 11 league meetings (W7, D4).
• Four of the last seven meetings at the Emirates between these sides have ended in goalless draws.

Arsenal

• Arsenal have not won any of their last three league games (D2, L1).
• The Gunners have scored just eight goals in their six home league matches this season.
• Arsenal's only home defeat in the league this season was 2-0 to West Ham on the opening day.
• Olivier Giroud has had a hand in five goals in his five Premier League appearances against Sunderland (three goals, two assists).

Sunderland

• Sunderland are aiming for a third consecutive Premier League win, which they last achieved in May 2014 during their "Great Escape" from relegation.
• Their tally of three wins in six league games under Sam Allardyce is as many as they had in 17 matches under Dick Advocaat.
• Sunderland have lost five of their seven league away matches this season, picking up just four points out of a possible 21. Their only win on the road came last time out when they beat Crystal Palace 1-0.
• Allardyce has lost seven successive Premier League games against Arsenal, and hasn't beaten the Gunners in the league since May 2010, when his Blackburn side won 2-1.
• Costel Pantilimon has made 59 saves this season, more than any other Premier League goalkeeper.