Sunderland’s recent resurgence came to a cruel end last time out against Arsenal but the Black Cats have the perfect opportunity to make amends when the Gunners return for their FA Cup fifth round clash. The visitors snatched victory from the Stadium of a Light a week ago but it remains to be seen if they can repeat the feat following Wednesday night’s capitulation in Milan.

Match betting

• Sunderland’s 2-1 defeat to the Gunners was their first at home since Martin O’Neill took the reins, having won four of the previous five. It’s been their form on the road against Championship opposition which has taken them this far in the FA Cup with victories at Peterborough and, at the second time of asking, Middlesbrough en route.
• Arsenal’s last-gasp triumph at the Stadium of Light ended a three-game winless run on the road in the Premier League but they return to the north-east reeling from their 4-0 defeat at Milan in midweek. Both wins in the FA Cup have come on home soil, turning around a two-goal deficit to progress past Aston Villa last time.
• The Gunners’ victory over Sunderland completed a league double over Sunderland and are unbeaten in their last five meetings with the Black Cats. Arsene Wenger’s men have lost just once in their last nine visits to the Stadium of Light. 

Sunderland to win at 2/1

Over/under

• Sunderland’s last two home games have finished over 2.5 goals but the previous four all ended unders. Three of their four cup games this season have produced under 2.5 goals.
• All but one of Arsenal’s seven games since their third round win over Leeds have finished over 2.5 goals, including their last two on the road. Three of their five domestic cup games have gone the same way.

Over 2.5 goals at 5/6

Correct score

• All ten of Sunderland’s league defeats have been by a single-goal while Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Arsene Wenger’s men was the sixth time they have lost by the same scoreline. It was also the first time they had conceded at the Stadium of Light in four league games while the Black Cats have netted exactly two goals in both of their FA Cup successes so far.
• Arsenal’s 2-1 victory last Saturday was the eighth time in all competitions they have won by that same scoreline this season. Their last six on the road in the league have been decided by a single-goal or less, leaking exactly one goal in half of their last eight away games.

Arsenal to win by one-goal margin at 10/3

Double result

• Middlesbrough’s half-time lead at the Stadium of Light in the last round is the only time Sunderland have been behind at the break in their last 13 games in league and cup, including their previous six at home. They have won the second half in five of their last seven on Wearside.
• Despite losing in three of their last six away league games, Arsenal haven’t been behind at half-time in any. All four of their goals in the FA Cup have come in the second half while 15 of the last 23 goals produced in the Gunners’ last seven league outings have also come in the second period.

Draw/Sunderland double result at 6/1

Goalscorers

• Stephane Sessegnon tops Sunderland’s scoring charts with seven in league and cup, including the extra-time winner at Middlesbrough in the last round. Ex-Gunner Sebastian Larsson and James McClean both netted in their third round victory at Peterborough and boast six and four respectively.
• Robin van Persie remains the only Arsenal player to have bagged double figures with 28 to his name, including a quick-fire double in their fourth round comeback against Villa. Theo Walcott hit the winner on that occasion and has six under his belt in all competitions.

Sebastian Larsson to score the first goal at 18/1

Key men

• Fraizer Campbell has made an instant impact since returning from a lengthy lay-off and could lead the line for the hosts after finding the net twice in his last four games. James McClean is also amongst the goals though Arsenal know all about the Irishman’s danger, after scoring the hosts’ opener a week ago.
• Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was dropped to the bench for Arsenal’s trip to the San Siro but should be reinstated to the starting XI on Saturday. The 18-year-old has made quite an impression this season and should be brimming with confidence after netting his first top flight goals in the Gunners’ recent demolition of Blackburn.

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