Arsenal v Sunderland: Can the Gunners start life without RVP with a win?
Arsenal start the new campaign without their inspirational captain Robin Van Persie but the Gunners haven’t lost on the opening day of the Premier League for 12 years. Unfortunately for them that defeat came against this weekend’s opponents Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Martin O’Neill’s men ended Arsenal’s FA Cup dreams last season and the Gunners would love to get off to a winning start this time round, especially after last season’s dire start. Can Podolski, Giroud and Cazorla help the Gooners erase the memory of the flying Dutchman or will O'Neill's warriors ruin Wenger's aspirations again?
Sunderland haven’t left the red half of north London with maximum points since 1983, but they will be itching to re-write that stat this Saturday. Unfortunately for them, there’s not a lot of love around for an away win.
Arsenal v Sunderland; Kick Off 3pm August 18 2012
Prediction Panel
|
Arsenal |
Shub Chaterjee |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Aston Villa |
Frank Pattison |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Chelsea |
Joe Tyler |
1 |
V |
0 |
|
Everton |
Chris Goodwin |
2 |
V |
2 |
|
Fulham |
Neil Springate |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Liverpool |
Dave Disciascio |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Callum Rothwell |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
|
Alex Richert |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
|
Newcastle |
Greg Hall |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Norwich |
Sue Read |
2 |
V |
1 |
|
QPR |
John Jaycock |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Reading |
Jon Keen |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Southampton |
Andy Saunders |
2 |
V |
1 |
|
Stoke City |
Jack Heaney |
TBA |
V |
TBA |
|
Sunderland |
Tony Ratton |
2 |
V |
1 |
|
Swansea |
Jim Barry |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Spurs |
Mike Richards |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
West Brom |
Andy Wakeman |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
West Ham |
Matt Beeby |
2 |
V |
1 |
|
Wigan |
Jimmy Shine |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OUR EXPERTS |
|
|
|
|
|
Writer |
Colin Illingworth |
3 |
V |
1 |
|
Writer |
Steve Coulter |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Writer |
Hugh Larkin |
2 |
V |
1 |
|
Writer |
Mitch Waddon |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Writer |
Chris Pettitt |
2 |
V |
1 |
|
Writer |
Sarshar Hossiennia |
1 |
V |
1 |
|
Blackburn fan |
Terry Kennedy |
2 |
V |
1 |
|
Bolton fan |
David Blackburn |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Boro fan |
Sue Gardener |
2 |
V |
1 |
|
Pompey fan |
Dan Taylor |
3 |
V |
2 |
|
Pompey fan |
Peter Rendle |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
West Ham fan |
Nigel Telfer |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Wolves fan |
Chris Cox |
2 |
V |
0 |
|
Editor |
Antony Melvin |
0 |
V |
0 |
Panel Verdict
It looks as though Arsenal will get off to a winning start.
Home: 30; Draw: 3; Away: 0. TBA 1
* Do we have it right or do you know better? We’d love to hear your views.
