TWO in-forms meet in the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie on Tuesday, but Arsenal and Sunderland are also two leagues apart and the Gunners are expected to ease into the last four.
In a decimated weekend card, both Arsenal and Sunderland were able to fulfill their fixtures in the Premier League and League One.
Mikel Arteta's side continued their terrific, recent excellent form with their third win on the spin in the league. Leeds United were clinically dealt with at Elland Road, which added to victories against Southampton and West Ham United.
They have real momentum building and added to that is their particularly strong form at the Emirates.
Sunderland too are in decent form and their 1-1 draw at fellow fallen giants Ipswich Town maintained their third spot in a division they've been stuck in now for the past three seasons.
Lee Johnson's side are unbeaten in seven in League One and there is mounting evidence this could be the season where they finally get out of the third tier.
Sunderland have deafeated Port Vale, Blackpool, Wigan and Championship high-fliers QPR to get to this stage.
Arsenal have beaten West Brom, AFC Wimbledon and Leeds United without conceding a goal.
How the bookies view it
Arsenal are massive favourites at 2/11 with SBK, while the Black Cats can be backed by those of a Wearside persuasion at 17/1 with the same firm. The draw is 13/2 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
The clubs last played in the same league in season 2016/17 and Arsenal won 2-0 in London as can be seen below and 4-1 at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland's last win at the Emirates was in 2002 in a League Cup tie.
Players to watch
Gabriel Martinelli netted a double against Leeds to make it three goals in two games for the Brazilian. He's 5/4 to score on Tuesday night for the third successive game.
Everton loanee Nathan Broadhead has been in brilliant form for Sunderland. His goal at Portman Road on Saturday took his tally to six goals in his last eight games. He's of interest at 9/2 with Paddy Power to score in the capital.
Anything else catch the eye?
This is realistically Arsenal's best chance of a trophy this season and there's no chance Arteta will put out a weakened team. That spells bad news for Sunderland who will give it a real go in front of a big away support of 5,200.
It wouldn't be a surprise if Sunderland score here in front of their adoring supporters, but the Gunners should have too much for them and that makes the 21/10 with 10Bet for Arsenal to win and both teams to score a good shout.
It might take the hosts some time to get going though. They've won their last five home games in all competitions, but have been held to a goalless draw at half time before going onto win. Draw half time and Arsenal full time is 16/5 with Unibet.
This EFL Cup match between Arsenal and Sunderland will be played on Dec 21, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal vs Sunderland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
