The Mesut Ozil show has rolled into the Stadium of Light… brace yourselves.
Sunderland host Arsenal (10am ET, live on NBCSN and live online via NBC Sports Live Extra) in a fiery clash up on Wearside. The Black Cats are still without a win this season and Paolo Di Canio’s men will be desperately hoping they seal a massive home win against the Gunners.
But it will be a huge ask as Arsene Wenger’s side have won four-straight in all competitions and are buoyed by the big-money arrival of Ozil from Real Madrid.
The German international starts in midfield to make his debut and everyone is desperate to see how he links up with the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere. Santi Cazorla misses out through injury for the Gunners.
As for Sunderland, U.S. international Jozy Altidore starts after missing the last game against Crystal Palace through injury. New signing Ki from Swansea also start for the Black Cats.
LINEUPS
Sunderland: Westwood, Celustka, Colback, Roberge, Diakite, Vaughan, Mavrias, Ki, Johnson (c), Fletcher, Altidore. Subs: Mannone, Brown, Larsson, Gardner, Wickham, Cuellar, Borini.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Sagna, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Ramsey, Wilshere, Ozil, Walcott, Giroud. Subs: Fabianski, Vermaelen, Monreal, Frimpong, Ryo, Gnabry, Akpom