Arsenal will look for another three points in their English Premier League game against a Sunderland side capable of giving any team a run for their money on their day.
The Gunners are currently in sixth place on 41 points from 25 matches, and any sort of dropped points might lead to them moving further away from a top-four place.
"Sunderland away is always a tough game," Arsenal skipper Thomas Vermalen told the club's official website. "I think we did well in the first game of the season at home against Sunderland. We couldn't score but we were the better team and had the better chances.
"I think Sunderland has a little bit more technical quality than Stoke. Stoke was always a difficult game.
"We were the better side all over the game [last weekend]. We had a few chances in the first half, but it's difficult against them. They defend well and they're strong. In the end I'm happy we could get the goal."
Arsenal though will have to do without their captain, with Vermaelen ruled out through an ankle injury, while defensive partner Laurent Koscielny is doubtful after picking up an injury while on duty for France.
"Koscielny had a scan that was quite reassuring so he will have a test," Arsene Wenger said. "It is a calf problem. Vermaelen is out with his ankle injury.
"The (defensive) options are restricted, I will have to be creative. We have Iggy Miquel, we have Sagna who can play there and Jenkinson on the right, so we will see. But we have very good hope that Koscielny will be available."
Wenger admitted he would rely on his side's offensive capabilities to make a dent against Sunderland.
"We have great technical quality and that's why I believe we have such an important number of players that assist and score our goals," Wenger said.
"Everybody is allowed to go forward. Everybody contributes to our offensive play. Because the players are quality, you find many of them involved in our goals.
"To be honest I was not convinced at the start of the season that I would play (all the attacking players) together, but I am happy that slowly they understand each other well and we are efficient in goalscoring. In some games we score plenty of goals and we are certainly scoring more than last year."
Sunderland, who are 12th on 29 points, could welcome back Carlos Cuellar, but James McClean and Lee Cattermole are ruled out.
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Expected lineups: Sunderland: Mignolet; N'Diaye, Bramble, O'Shea, Rose; Larsson, Colback, Gardner, Sessegnon, Johnson; Fletcher.
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Monreal; Arteta, Wilshere; Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud.
Prediction: 2-0 to Arsenal
