The Gunners are riding high in the Premier League and Europe at present, having put together a 13-game unbeaten run.

Arsene Wenger's free-scoring side have also netted 15 times in the last five games and Bardsley knows he will have to be at the top of his game to keep the Gunners at bay.

He told the Daily Express: "I played against Arsenal while on loan at Aston Villa and it was tough, more mentally than physically.

"Against the top boys, your head is like a windscreen wiper because of the movement their players have.

"The top players just never stay in one position and you get that especially with Chelsea, with the full-backs turning into wingers.

"That is difficult to defend against, but all the top sides are like that and Arsenal will be no different."

While Arsenal have 11 first-team players out injured, Bardsley knows it will still be a difficult afternoon, whichever team Wenger puts out.

He added: "Arsenal are a tremendous outfit and the way Arsene Wenger brings young players through is exceptional.

"No matter what team he puts out, they are always capable of winning.

"As we have seen in the Carling Cup, he has brought young players in against Premier League opposition and they have turned them over comfortably."

Bardsley, who joined the Black Cats in a £2million switch from Manchester United in January 2008, is eligible to play for England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland and admits he will soon have to make his mind up about which country to represent.

He said: "If they really want me they know where I am. I am English but if another country wanted me to play for them I'd be happy to listen.

"My dad was born in Glasgow but the only time it has come up was when Sir Alex Ferguson locked me in a room with (then Scotland boss) Walter Smith when I was 18, which was a bit scary.

"I was only young and it was a big commitment and I decided to keep my options open.

"But I am going to have to think about it over the summer because there will be the European Championship qualifiers coming up."