Arsenal - Sunderland Preview: Gunners begin post-Van Persie era looking for victory

After the Dutchman's transfer to Manchester United, the north London club begin the new season hopeful of success against a Sunderland side hungry for a good start of their own.

Szczesny
Djourou, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs
Ramsey, Song
Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski
Giroud

Mignolet
O'Shea, Bramble, Cuellar, Richardson
Larsson, Cattermole, Colback, McClean, Sessegnon
Saha

\Arsenal begin their post-Robin Van Persie era against Sunderland and are likely to start with Olivier Giroud in attack, supported by Theo Walcott, who is a slight doubt due to an injury that cost him his involvement in this week's England friendly, and Lukas Podolski.

Mikel Arteta is doubtful with an injury, but may make the bench, while Bacary Sagna is out until September with a broken leg.

Laurent Koscielny and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should recover in time to be considered for selection but Per Mertesacker is waiting in reserve if the former is not passed fit. Tomas Rosicky has a calf injury so Aaron Ramsey could start.

The Black Cats have a few injury problems at the back, with Wes Brown and Phil Bardsley both out for a few weeks, and Michael Turner having joined Norwich.

They have new signing Louis Saha available after he signed on Thursday, and the Frenchman could go straight into attack. Stephane Sessegnon should feature despite struggling with a foot problem, but David Vaughan is sidelined