Sunderland vs Arsenal – Match Preview

Sunderland

Manager: Michael Beale

League Position: 4th (Championship)

FA Cup Third Round

VS

FA Cup – Third Round

Saturday, 4 January 2025 | 12:30 GMT

Stadium of Light, Sunderland

Stadium of Light

Arsenal

Manager: Mikel Arteta

League Position: 2nd (Premier League)

Match Preview

In a classic FA Cup third-round tie, Championship promotion-chasers Sunderland welcome Premier League title contenders Arsenal to the Stadium of Light. This fixture represents everything that makes the FA Cup special - a historic club facing top-flight opposition in front of a passionate home crowd. While Arsenal will be heavy favorites, Sunderland's impressive home form and the magic of the cup could make this a memorable encounter. The Black Cats will look to channel their famous "giant-killing" spirit against an Arsenal side chasing multiple trophies this season.

Key Players & Stats
Jack Clarke
Jack Clarke
Winger | Sunderland
  • ⚽ Goals: 12
  • 🎯 Assists: 8
  • 📊 Appearances: 24
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka
Forward | Arsenal
  • ⚽ Goals: 11
  • 🎯 Assists: 7
  • 📊 Appearances: 19
Recent Form
Sunderland

Last 5 matches:

W W L W D

Sunderland are in strong form, losing just once in their last five Championship matches as they push for promotion.

Arsenal

Last 5 matches:

W W L W W

Arsenal are in excellent form, winning four of their last five Premier League matches as they challenge for the title.

Head to Head Record
Historical Meetings

Sunderland Wins

2

Draws

5

Arsenal Wins

8

Arsenal have dominated this fixture historically, but Sunderland have caused upsets in cup competitions.

Club Histories
Sunderland AFC
Sunderland AFC
  • Founded in 1879, Sunderland are one of England's oldest and most historic football clubs.
  • The club has won six First Division titles, most recently in 1936, and two FA Cups (1937, 1973).
  • Sunderland's Stadium of Light is one of the largest stadiums in England with a capacity of 49,000.
  • They famously defeated Leeds United in the 1973 FA Cup final as a Second Division team.
Arsenal FC
Arsenal FC
  • Founded in 1886 in Woolwich, Arsenal are one of England's most successful clubs.
  • The club has won 13 First Division/Premier League titles and a record 14 FA Cups.
  • Arsenal completed the 2003-04 Premier League season undefeated, earning the nickname "The Invincibles".
  • They play at the Emirates Stadium, one of Europe's most modern football venues.
FA Cup Magic
Memorable FA Cup Encounters

The FA Cup has a rich history of giant-killings and memorable moments. This third-round tie continues that tradition, pitting a Championship promotion hopeful against Premier League aristocracy. Sunderland will draw inspiration from their own FA Cup history and famous victories over top-flight opposition, while Arsenal will be wary of becoming another cup casualty despite their superior quality.

With a packed Stadium of Light creating a classic cup atmosphere, this match has all the ingredients for an FA Cup classic.