Mesut Ozil will make his first start for Arsenal as they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The German international, who joined the Gunners from Real, starts for Arsene Wenger's side despite having sat out training on Friday, but Santi Cazorla misses out through injury.

Defender Per Mertesacker is absent due to illness, with Bacary Sagna captaining the side.

Meanwhile, Paolo Di Canio has opted for Jozy Altidore and Steven Fletcher in attack for the Black Cats.

Fabio Borini, who joined the Wearsiders on a season-long loan from Liverpool, is among the substitutes.

For Sunderland, Saturday's game is the start of a difficult run of home fixtures with Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham all to come.

Sunderland: Westwood, Celustka, Colback, Roberge, Diakite, Vaughan, Mavrias, Ki, Johnson, Fletcher, Altidore

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Sagna, Koscielny, Flamini, Ramsey, Wilshere, Ozil, Walcott, Giroud

Written by
Chris O'Keefe