Arsenal vs. Sunderland: match preview

Kickoff: Saturday, March 5, 10 AM EST, Emirates Stadium
TV Coverage: Fox Soccer Channel

Arsenal welcome the Black Cats of Sunderland to the Emirates Stadium tomorrow for a Premier League encounter that, should the Gunners prevail, would see the North London side move within a point of league leaders Manchester United.  Sunderland, for their part, sit eighth on 37 points, two points out of the European places.

The big news for Arsenal is that Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who has been recovering fitness on loan at Cardiff City, is available for the squad tomorrow.  In addition to Ramsey, defender Laurent Koscielny is available as well, although he may be saved for the match against Barcelona on Tuesday.

For Ramsey, were he to see the pitch tomorrow, it would be his first Arsenal appearance since February of last year and a crucial step towards resuming his career.  Arsène Wenger said that the injury should not affect Ramsey's progress as a player too much as it occurred at an early age.  Ramsey has reportedly played well at Cardiff along with Arsenal teammate Jay Emmanuel-Thomas; facing Sunderland tomorrow would be the first test of his recovery at the highest level.

Sunderland will be without goalkeeper Craig Gordon, midfielder Lee Cattermole, and striker Frazier Campbell tomorrow; Arsenal play without the services of Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas (most likely), Alex Song, and Theo Walcott.

Possible lineup:

Szczesny

Sagna            Djourou           Koscielny         Clichy

Diaby       Wilshere

Rosicky

Nasri       Bendtner       Arshavin

Marouane Chamakh could start in place of Bendtner, if Wenger is looking to save the latter for Barcelona on Tuesday...and will Ramsey possibly start?