Sunderland vs Arsenal: 5 Key Battles

5. Dossena v Walcott

On his day, Theo Walcott is by far the best English player currently playing in the Premiership. Unfortunately for Arsenal, those days don't come as often as they should do, he hasn't had 'one of those days' yet this season so he's probably due one soon. That doesn't bode well however, for Andrea Dossena. The 31-year old ex-Liverpool defender will have to use all the knowledge he's gained in his lengthy 12 year career. Dossena has played for 7 different top-flight clubs and his Liverpool debut was in fact made against his current team, in a 1-0 win. Dossena joined Sunderland on a free transfer from Napoli on Deadline Day and his new side's home game against Arsenal could mark his debut for the club, something Walcott will relish. When making your debut, Theo Walcott isn't the player you'd like to face in your first game and Dossena will have to make a spectacular debut to be able to cope with the pace and skill of Walcott. If Theo can give Dossena the run-around, Arsenal could be in for a prosperous Saturday afternoon. On the other hand, if Dossena is able to cope with that threat, it could be Di Canio's Sunderland who are in for a fruitful game.