Grady's Pre-Emirates talk

On a weekend where only two Premier League matches are taking place on a Saturday, we can all look forward to our first appearance on Setanta of the season. An early kick off leaves plenty of time later in the day to revel in our Sunday dinners and post match pints, or alternatively drown ourselves in gravy and sulk in our beer.

Sunderland go to the Emirates with tentative steps. Arsenal are the form team in the Country, topping the league after eight games. The prospect of playing a team with such cohesion is simply terrifying. If the Sunderland side that were battered at Wigan turn up on Sunday then we are in for a very, very upsetting day.

This match could either be a galvanising team performance, igniting the fans and letting the Premier League know what we are about. Or we could be another Derby: a side that other teams look forward to play. Only time will tell.

The team news on this Saturday morning is that Keane will revert back to his 4-5-1 formation that almost got us a point at Old Trafford. No doubt that Gordon will start in net with Collins, McShane, The Nos and Higginbotham making up the back four. However, after the shocking defensive display against Blackburn last week, Keano might want to chop and change the back line. Halford could possibly come in at right back, leaving McShane and The Nos to slot in the centre.

The midfield, most likely a five-man department, will need to be versatile, ready to switch to a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3 on the attack. Expect Yorke to play just in front of the defence with Chopra pushing up from an attacking midfield position. Leadbitter and Wallace will most likely be on the flanks. Another debatable choice is whether Keano goes back to picking Etuhu for that physical presence and complete lack of creativity or goes with Miller who has looked terrific when he has played this season and adds a bit more imagination to our midfield.

Kenwyne Jones will be the lonesome front man on Sunday. With strength, pace and a cracking left foot he will, hopefully, be able to sneak a winner. Hopefully.

Of course, this team selection is but an educated guess. Stokes, playing against his old club, may be pushing for a start and possibly even Harte in at left back.

Whoever plays on Sunday, expect it to be a workhorse like performance from the Lads showing total commitment and desire. Basically, imagine eleven players with a Roy Keane attitude on the pitch. We all wait with baited breath.