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Arsenal FC v Sunderland FC (15:00 BST)

Olivier Giroud (credit: FRANCK FIFE/AFP/GettyImages)
Arsenal v Sunderland
Barclays Premier League
Saturday, August 18th 2012, 15:00 BST

Teams:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby, Arteta, Cazorla, Walcott, Gervinho, Podolski.

Subs: Mannone, Andre Santos, Giroud, Ramsey, Djourou, Coquelin, Arshavin.

Sunderland: Mignolet, Gardner, Cuellar, O'Shea, Richardson, Larsson, Colback, Cattermole, McClean, Sessegnon, Campbell.

Subs: Westwood, Wickham, Kilgallon, Meyler, Bramble, Saha, Elmohamady.

Preview:

Arsenal play host to Sunderland this afternoon on the opening day of the 2012-13 Premier League season.

Arsenal are set to hand a Premier League debut to summer signing Olivier Giroud following the sale of Robin van Persie to Manchester United.

Arsenal's other new arrivals Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla will be assessed ahead of kick-off.

The Gunners have doubts over England forward Theo Walcott (thigh), while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (ankle) and defender Laurent Koscielny (calf) both definitely miss out.

Midfielder Jack Wilshere (ankle) continues his rehabilitation from an ankle injury, as does defender Bacary Sagna (broken leg).

Alex Song will miss out as speculation continues that he is set to seal a move to Barcelona.

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill could hand a start to new striker Louis Saha, who has joined the Black Cats on a one-year deal.

Stephane Sessegnon (ankle) is doubtful, while Wes Brown (knee), Phil Bardsley (ankle) and David Vaughan (surgery) are all set to miss out.

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Arsenal FC v Sunderland FC (15:00 BST)

Arsenal play host to Sunderland this afternoon on the opening day of the 2012-13 Premier League season.

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