Ray Parlour states prediction for Sunderland v Arsenal

Ray Parlour is backing Arsenal to ease to a comfortable win against Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Gunners raised eyebrows last weekend after the north London side limped to a goalless draw with promoted side Middlesbrough despite having home advantage at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal’s unforeseen stalemate ended their six-game winning run in the Premier League as Arsene Wenger’s side failed to seize their chance to pull away from leaders Manchester City.

However, the Gunners made a swift return to winning ways in the League Cup fourth round on Wednesday night as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored twice in a 2-0 win against Reading.

Former Arsenal midfielder Parlour doesn’t expect the north London club to drop points against the Premier League’s basement club Sunderland in Saturday’s early kick-off.

“It is the early kick off. If Arsenal can get three points on the board, it puts pressure on the teams below or above them to say that they’ve got to perform,” Parlour told the Alan Brazil Up Front podcast.

Arsenal finished in second place in the Premier League table last season but 10 points behind champions Leicester City.

MORE: The latest Arsenal news and views

MORE: The latest Arsenal player tweets

Wenger signed five players in the summer transfer window, including Lucas Perez, Shkodran Mustafi and Granit Xhaka.