Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia has urged his side to adopt a positive approach when they travel to Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Wearsiders ran Arsenal close in October's 1-1 home draw and Sbragia feels his side should be comfortable in expressing themselves at the Emirates.

He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "We've got to try to make it difficult.

"We've got to try to get something. We don't want it to be like Manchester United, to be sat in our 18-yard-box."

Although Arsenal's league form has been patchy, with three consecutive draws in the league, Monday's 4-0 FA Cup drubbing of Cardiff showed how devastating the Gunners' inexperienced but gifted side can be when in their stride.

And Sbragia is wary of being caught in a trap of trying to out-play Arsene Wenger's side rather than concentrating on playing to their own strengths.

"Arsenal are a very good footballing team and we have to be careful that we don't get drawn into just playing football," Sbragia added.

"We have to play to our strengths and hopefully we've identified a few of their weaknesses.

"We can't go out there and let them continue playing, we've got to stop them and have a plan of own.

"The top four football-wise are a cut above the rest of us."

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