The mutual antipathy between Sam Allardyce and Arsène Wenger may have diminished to the point where it has almost been consigned to history but the pair’s more mellow relationship does not mean they have lost their competitive edge. And especially not when so much is at stake. While a win would enhance Sunderland’s survival chances considerably, Wenger’s need to make certain of Champions League qualification – while keeping those critics calling for his summer-time replacement at bay – should ensure a certain spice. Louise Taylor

Kick-off Sunday 2.05pm

Venue Stadium of Light

Last season Sunderland 0 Arsenal 2

Live Sky Sports 1

Referee Mike Dean

This season G29, Y95, R9, 3.90 cards per game

Odds H 4-1 A 4-5 D 11-4

Sunderland

Subs from Pickford, Jones, O’Shea, Brown, Rodwell, Larsson, Toivonen, N’Doye, Watmore, Lens

Doubtful Lens (illness), Yedlin (ankle)

Injured none

Suspended None

Form DDDDLW

Discipline Y57 R2

Leading scorer Defoe 13

Arsenal

Subs from Ospina, Chambers, Gibbs, Reine-Adélaïde, Walcott, Giroud, Arteta, Rosicky, Wilshere, Gabriel, Ramsey, Campbell, Flamini

Doubtful Gibbs (back), Rosicky (match fitness), Wilshere (match fitness)

Injured Cazorla (knee, 30 Apr), Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee, 30 Apr)

Suspended None

Form DWWDDW

Discipline Y36 R4

Leading scorers Giroud, Sánchez 12