Arsenal vs Sunderland team news: Alex Iwobi handed first-team chance, Petr Cech starts in goal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alex Iwobi has been handed a chance to impress by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who starts against Sunderland in Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie at the Emirates Stadium.
Mesut Ozil is rested but there are also starts for Joel Campbell, Kieran Gibbs and Gabriel, who did not play from the off in last week’s win over Newcastle United.
Petr Cech is in goal as back-up goalkeeper David Ospina, who usually features in cup ties, has a slight groin problem.
Chile international Alexis Sanchez was hoping to return from a hamstring injury to feature but, as Wenger confirmed at a pre-match press conference on Friday, the forward’s comeback has been delayed.
Jordan Pickford makes his first-team debut in goal for Sunderland after returning from a loan at Preston North End.
Ola Toivonen, Danny Graham and DeAndre Yedlin come into the team from that which beat Aston Villa 3-1 last weekend.
Line-ups
Arsenal: Cech; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Gibbs; Chambers, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Iwobi, Campbell, Walcott; Giroud
Substitutes: Macey, Debuchy, Monreal, Arteta, Ramsey, Reine-Adelaide, Willock
Sunderland: Pickford; Yedlin, O'Shea, Coates, Van Aanholt; Cattermole, Toivonen, Watmore, Lens; Fletcher, Graham
Substitutes:Mannone, Jones, Borini, Defoe, M'Vila, Mavrias, Beadling
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments