Arsenal Name Unchanged Starting XI As Jurrien Timber Returns To Bench For Sunderland Clash
Both Arsenal and Sunderland have confirmed their lineups ahead of tonight’s Premier League fixture at the Stadium of Light in what promises to be a compelling contest.
Mikel Arteta has named the same starting XI that defeated Chelsea last weekend, showing confidence in his side’s form heading into this away fixture.
The Gunners arrive at the Stadium of Light looking to extend their perfect start to the Premier League season, a statement of intent from the champions.
There is positive news for Arsenal ahead of the match, with Jurrien Timber returning to the squad after recovering from a groin injury that had kept him sidelined.
Timber takes his place on the bench for the first time this season, offering Arteta a reliable option should he be needed during the game.
Cristhian Mosquera, however, remains absent and misses out on a squad place once again for tonight’s fixture.
Arsenal’s starting XI reads: Raya, White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Saka, Tzolis, Havertz, with the bench comprising Kepa, Hincapie, Eze, Timber, Gyokeres, Madueke, Merino, Zubimendi, and Bruno.
Sunderland’s starting XI sees Roefs, Meunier, Mukiele, Ballard, Danso, Reinildo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fe, Angulo, and Brobbey tasked with frustrating the champions on home soil.
John Brooks has been appointed as referee for tonight’s match, with Stuart Atwell taking charge of VAR duties throughout the evening.
Brooks is running at approximately 4.8 yellow cards per match this season, above the average figure, despite awarding around 21.7 fouls per game across his appointments.
The referee took charge of three Arsenal games last season, with the Gunners winning both home fixtures and drawing 1-1 away at Brentford under his watch.
Brooks also oversaw two Sunderland matches last season, both of which came away from home against Everton, with the Black Cats drawing 1-1 in the FA Cup before winning 3-1 in the league.
James Mainwaring and Wade Smith serve as assistant referees, with Elliott Bell as fourth official and Edward Smith filling the assistant VAR role.
The post Arsenal Name Unchanged Starting XI As Jurrien Timber Returns To Bench For Sunderland Clash appeared first on Gooner Daily.