GABRIEL CAN BE MIKEL'S ANGEL

16/1 defender can drive Arsenal to victory

- JOHN O'DOWD - ODDS & ENDS

ARSENAL are currently six points clear at the summit of the Premier League after ten matches, and are clearly in pole position to drive on towards the title.

Their defensive record is so excellent that opposition teams appear resigned to their nonscoring fate even before kickoff, which means even one goal is enough for the Gunners.

Sunderland, despite their stunning start to life in the top flight, are unlikely to be any different this evening. Arsenal can power on here (0-2 at 9/2), with Gabriel (16/1) worth a shot for first goal.

Anyway, if Mikel Arteta's men do the business again, the pressure will intensify on the undoubted game of the weekend - Manchester City v Liverpool tomorrow afternoon.

The visitors have steadied the ship this week with vital home wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, but this encounter at the Etihad will be a severer test of their well-being.

City are, slowly but surely, building up a head of steam in their season, but they could also do with a statement victory to really lay down a marker.

This could be the moment.

Despite successive clean sheets, Liverpool are vulnerable at the back. The hosts can nick a thriller (2-1 at 7/1). Take a punt on Josko Gvardiol for an unlikely first goal (20/1).