Sunderland vs Arsenal: Kick-Off Time, Line-Ups, Score Prediction & How to Watch Tonight’s Carabao Cup Showdown

The Stadium of Light braces for a primetime Premier League showdown as Sunderland welcome title-chasing Arsenal on Saturday, 8 November 2025 (5:30 pm GMT/12:30 pm ET) at the Stadium of Light. Form guide • Arsenal arrive in imperious form, riding a nine-match run of clean sheets that has propelled Mikel Arteta’s side to the summit of the table. • Sunderland, newly promoted under Régis Le Bris, have taken four points from their last three outings but remain just above the drop zone, desperate for a statement result on Wearside. Team news & predicted XIs Black Cats captain Luke O’Nien returns from suspension, while striker Jobe Bellingham faces a late fitness test after a mid-week knock. Arsenal are still without long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus, yet Declan Rice and William Saliba have shaken off minor issues and travel north. Sports Illustrated’s projected Gunners XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Merino, Trossard. Key battles • Luke O’Nien vs. Bukayo Saka – the hosts’ versatile skipper must shackle England’s star winger, who leads the league with seven assists. • Pierre Ekwah vs. Declan Rice – a midfield duel likely to dictate tempo; Ekwah’s energy against Rice’s ball-winning and progressive passing. • Jack Clarke vs. Jurrien Timber – Clarke’s direct dribbling is Sunderland’s prime attacking outlet, but Timber’s pace and recovery runs have tightened Arsenal’s left flank. Head-to-head snapshot Since 1996 the clubs have met 36 times in all competitions: Arsenal have 22 wins, Sunderland 4, with 10 draws. The goal differential is a stark 67-23 in the Gunners’ favour. Sunderland’s last league victory over Arsenal dates back to November 2009. Tactics preview Le Bris typically deploys an aggressive 4-2-3-1 press that funnels opponents wide before springing Clarke on turnovers. Arsenal’s fluid 3-2-5 in possession overloads half-spaces; look for Rice and Zubimendi to drop between centre-backs, inviting Timber and Calafiori high and forcing Sunderland’s back four to stretch. If the Gunners recycle quickly, overloads on the right with Saka and Eze could overwhelm Niall Huggins. What’s at stake Three points would see Arsenal keep breathing room over Manchester City ahead of the international break, while a home upset could catapult Sunderland up to mid-table and ignite survival momentum. How to watch UK: Sky Sports Main Event & Premier League, 5:30 pm GMT USA: Peacock Premium, 12:30 pm ET Worldwide live commentary available via the official Premier League app. Prediction Sunderland’s home crowd will roar, but Arsenal’s defensive solidity and firepower should prevail. Score forecast: Sunderland 1-3 Arsenal. Search terms to watch: “Sunderland vs Arsenal live stream,” “Sunderland Arsenal lineups,” “Sunderland Arsenal kick-off time,” “Premier League standings.”