Sunderland v Arsenal preview
by Laurent Picard, 09 May 2008
Arsenal will visit Roy Keane’s Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday with the intention of finishing the season on a positive note.
Sunderland 16/5 Draw 12/5 Arsenal 7/10
Arsenal to win 3-1, 11/1
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The Black Cats have managed to secure their Premier League status thanks to a promising season in the top flight, and Keane is relieved this game against third-placed Arsenal is not a vital one.
"I've thought about what it'll be like for them and I'm glad it's not us. We're safe and I've been grumpy for most of the week!” the manager said.
Scottish midfielder Ross Wallace, who damaged his knee ligaments, could make his first appearance in 2008 whereas trio Phil Bardsley (knee), Dickson Etuhu (knee) and David Connolly (hip) are ruled out due to injury.
Loanee Jonny Evans, who was doubtful following a minor injury picked up at Bolton, is finally available, and may play for the last time before he returns to parent club Manchester United.
"Ross has trained very well this week and he was good in an XI v XI game in training so he comes into contention," Keane added.
The Gunners have nothing to lose, as they have secured the third spot.
Arsene Wenger will use the occasion to bring youngsters to the north, including Mark Randall, Denilson and Kieran Gibbs but the injured Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Rosicky and Abou Diaby will miss the last match of the season.
Alexander Hleb, on the brink of a move to Inter, according to his representative, will serve the last match of his three-game ban.
Emmanuel Eboue, Alexandre Song and Gilberto Silva are all expected to start the game, while young guns Lukas Fabianski, Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott could be given the opportunity to continue to develop in the top flight.
"It should be nearly the same group of players who are available," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.
"Nobody is coming back from injury certainly.
"But I could give one or two players an early breather because they go to Euro 2008 or the African qualifiers.
"So Kieran Gibbs, who got on the bench last weekend, could be involved again, so could Mark Randall. But I am really not sure yet."
Prediction: 1-3
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