Arsenal have stormed to the top of the table with 10 wins from 13 matches this season, their latest triumph coming at Cardiff City on Saturday.
Star midfielder Aaron Ramsey scored twice on that occasion as Arsenal won 3-0 to maintain a four-point advantage over second-placed Chelsea.
Ramsey has now netted 13 times in all competitions for Arsene Wenger's side this season, and his efforts have undoubtedly helped France striker Olivier Giroud, who has had to bear the brunt of the workload up front all season.
Big-money signing Mesut Ozil laid on two assists at Cardiff in a continuation of his fine form, while Arsenal's mean defence is now the joint-best in the division.
"We are in a good position," said a happy Wenger following the Cardiff win.
"It is early yet, but if can remain focused and consistent the way we have been so far, I will be happy."
Steve Bruce's men will come into the game high on confidence after producing an excellent performance to defeat Liverpool 3-1 on Sunday.
Despite plentiful coverage of the club's proposed name change to Hull City Tigers, manager Bruce and his players have remained focused and climbed into the Premier League's top half by beating Liverpool.
