Sunderland Academy vs Arsenal Academy prediction 23.03.2026 | Premier League 2

Sunderland Academy come into Monday’s Premier League 2, Division 1 contest after a painful 4:0 defeat at Chelsea Academy last weekend. Three goals conceded in the opening period killed the contest off before Shumaira Mheuka’s stoppage-time strike aded gloss to a dominant home win.

Before last weekend's heavy road reversal, the young Sunderland side had enjoyed an outstanding run of form, picking up seven successive victories in a six week period between February and March. 

Five victories in their last six league fixtures leaves Sunderland 15th in the 29-team league, just two points behind Arsenal. 

High-scoring outcomes have been frequent for Graeme Murty’s side. At least three goals were scored in all but two of ten previous Premier League 2, Division 1 fixtures.

Head coach Murty has no reported injury issues for Monday’s matchup.

Arsenal Academy arrives at the Academy of Light after a disastrous 5:1 home defeat against Leicester last weekend. Three goals conceded in the opening half ensured a dismal day out for the home support. 

Inconsistency has been a big issue for the Gunners this season, with defensive issues beginning to prove an issue. Arsenal failed to win their last three games, with eight goals conceded in those fixtures. 

Before their dip in form, Max Porter's side had won four of five previous Premier League 2, Division 1 fixtures. The Gunners now sit 12th in the division, 17 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Like the home side, high-scoring outcomes have been frequent for the young Arsenal side. Nine of 14 previous fixtures, including three of their last four matches finished with at least three goals scored.

Head coach Porter is likely to consider changes to his first XI on Monday. Sebastian Ferdinand and Marcell Washington are among those in contention to earn a recall to the selection.