Keen to banish memories of their last run out in West London, Sunderland under-23s welcome Arsenal in their final home match of the season.
Fixture: Sunderland U23 v Arsenal U23
Location: Eppleton Colliery Welfare
Date and kick-off: Saturday 22 April, kick-off 12pm
Competition: Premier League 2
ARSENAL ANALYSED
Gunning for the cause. . .
Three wins in their last four games have seen the Gunners soar up the league. With a small three-point cushion over Chelsea in fifth giving them a slight respite, Arsenal will have their sights firmly set on chasing Liverpool down who hold a five-point lead over them. The Gunners have displayed a razor sharp attack in recent weeks, netting a phenomenal 14 goals in their last four games. A sensational 4-1 victory over Chelsea kick started their run before further wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Reading cemented their fourth place in the Premier League 2. But now, all eyes now turn to Sunderland.
Talking tactics. . .
Take your chances. That has been the simple message from under-23s chief Elliott Dickman in recent weeks. Still chasing their first league win in 2017, Sunderland welcome Arsenal to Eppleton in their final home game of the season with high hopes of ending that hoodoo. But in order to do so, they will have to overcome an Arsenal side that eased to a comfortable 4-0 win over the Black Cats in October. While taking chances is key to getting a result in any game, defensive solidartity is an essential ingredient to the foundations of any success. Having shipped three goals last time out, Dickman’s side will be keen for a more comprehensive display. Arsenal don’t possess any real power-house players so good shape and discipline is important to force the Gunners to play wide as the aerial dominance of the Lads’ defence should play to their advantage. And, then, at the other end the Dickman’s troops must go straight for the jugular.
Tickets – Free entry!
Sunderland season card holders can gain free entry to Saturday’s Premier League 2 match on the production of their 2016-17 SC at the turnstile.
Alternatively, fans wishing to the attend can gain entry from £3 for Adults and £1 for under-16s and Over-65s.
