Arsenal America

“Arsenal: 3rd (63 points)

Sunderland: 15th (35 points)

TV: 12:00PM ET; SDD (Same Day Delay) FOX Sports World - US Feed

Radio: arsenal.com

Chief scout and all-around good guy Ken Bradley previews our opponents:

Something happened in North England prior to December 29 2001, and it has changed the season for the Black Cats. What that something was is anyone?s guess but it quickly showed itself in a 5-0 thrashing to Ipswich Town. Since than the Cats are 2-3-8 and have dropped to 15th in the table, only 3 points from relegation. Their drive is slipping away and an “”unhappy dressing room”" is all that makes news in Sunderland.

During this “”funk”" the Cats have only scored 8 goals and have given up 23. They only have two real scoring threats. Niall Quinn has been out for some time and it is believed that his absence is the problem. Not only do they miss his goal-scoring ability but his emotional charge; something the team has none of. The other threat is Kevin Phillips. The self-professed Gunner fan was unstoppable last year. Without a partner he has been lost and defenses can key on him, virtually stopping the attack.

Sunderland line-up in a 3-5-2 and must have possession to fuel their attack. The American International, Claudio Reyna, is now the General. He pushes up the central midfield and supports the attackers. He holds the ball for long periods of time, looking to feed Phillips or find a midfielder to line up a shot from 18-22 yards. The rest of the Midfielders; Kilbane, Arca, McCann and McAteer are all capable and a threat to shoot. The problem still remains that there is no conviction to play and no inspiration. Reyna was brought in from Rangers to solve the problem but thus far has been unsuccessful. (Note ? Reyna did not play in this weeks U.S. ? Germany match and may not play this weekend. Ed.)

To stop the Black Cats, Arsenal need to keep possession and work the glorious strings of passes that we have seen at Highbury before. Though Sunderland have played 3 defenders in the past, making the counter attack a legitimate weapon, it is very possible we will see 5 or more. Sunderland need only one point from this game as they inch towards 40 and salvation, we need all three as we work towards that precious silverware we dream of at night.”