THE STORY SO FAR
Our under-23s will be keen to return to winning ways following defeat in their last game against Everton, who were 4-2 winners in Southport.
Despite this, Steve Gatting’s side have enjoyed a promising start to the season and sit third in the table, just one point behind the Toffees and six behind leaders Liverpool.
THE OPPOSITION
Sunderland come into Monday’s match on a run of five games without a win, having not picked up three points since a 2-1 victory on the opening day of the season against Tottenham.
In their previous fixture against West Ham, the Black Cats were beaten 2-1, with goals from Martin Samuelson and Antonio Martinez proving too much to overcome, despite Luke Molyneux’s 36th-minute strike.
ONE TO WATCH
Following a series of impressive performances, Reiss Nelson was handed his first-team debut by Arsene Wenger against Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup, and was also given a starting berth against BATE Borisov in the Europa League.
The 17-year-old also featured for the first team on the club’s pre-season tour of China and Australia, saw game time in the Emirates Cup and even came on as a substitute in the Community Shield against Chelsea.
Nelson has scored six goals so far this season for the under-23s and will be hoping to remain on form as he seeks to earn more opportunities with the senior squad.
LAST TIME WE MET
We slipped to a late 2-1 defeat to Sunderland away from home, with Lynden Gooch and Molyneux cancelling out Donyell Malen’s opener.
Shortly after the half-time break, Malen struck with a well-placed finish, but a goal from Gooch 13 minutes later and a smart finish from Molyneux sealed the win for the hosts.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
There will be a full match report following the game on Arsenal.com and there will be live updates on our Twitter account - @Arsenal
Kick-off is at 7pm (UK time)
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