Overview
- Sunderland host Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on matchday 11 of the Premier League on Saturday evening.
- Xhaka said it will be an emotional occasion after seven seasons at Arsenal, noting he remains in contact with many former teammates and staff.
- Signed from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer and immediately made captain, Xhaka has been influential for Sunderland with defensive solidity and four goal contributions.
- On their top-flight return, Sunderland sit fourth with 18 points from 10 matches and have conceded only eight goals, lining up in a 5-4-1 out of possession against Everton.
- Arsenal arrive on a nine-game winning run in all competitions, including five straight in the league, and lead the table with 25 points from 10.