Arsenal’s next opponents in the Premier League will be Stoke City. The Gunners have been in some form in front of the goal, scoring nine goals in their last two games in all competitions. Arsene Wenger’s side are second in the League table and will be looking to keep up their pressure on leaders Chelsea. In a home tie against Stoke, they would be expected to get the maximum points.
Stoke, on the other hand, have turned things around after their own slump, currently sitting 9th in the League table. With 4 wins from their last 6 games, Mark Hughes’ side will be tough opponents for the Gunners but their defence is a worry.
Team News
The Gunners are already without the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mathieu Debuchy, Per Mertesacker, Danny Welbeck and Chuba Akpom, who are all out with long-term injuries. Arsenal, however, have got no new injury concerns and there’s a chance of Hector Bellerin returning to the squad much earlier than expected. It is unlikely that Bellerin will play the game even if he is available, though.
Gabriel could be the man deputising at the right back position once again. Arsenal will also have Francis Coquelin available after his one-match European ban.
Stoke City has some concerns regarding player fitness with Marko Arnautovic (hip), Bruno Martins Indi (cheekbone fracture) and Ryan Shawcross (calf) all needing late fitness tests to confirm their availability, whilst Geoff Cameron is a major doubt with a knee injury. The Potters will also be missing the quartet of Jack Butland, Ibrahim Afellay, Phil Bardsley and Stephen Ireland due to injury.
Possible Lineups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Cech; Gabriel, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Xhaka, Ramsey; Walcott, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Sanchez
Stoke (4-3-3): Grant; Johnson, Muniesa, Martins-Indi, Pieters; Adam, Imbula, Allen; Shaqiri, Walters, Arnautovic
Key Players
For the hosts, Granit Xhaka is once again likely to be the key player stationed at the base of the midfield. Xhaka has performed excellently in his last few games and is now looking far more settled. The Swiss international’s passing range certainly contributes a lot more to the attacking game of Arsenal especially when Santi Cazorla is out of the squad and his defensive abilities will also be called upon against Stoke.
For Stoke, Joe Allen will be the key. The Welshman is played in a bit more advanced position rather than the defensive midfield and his passing would be the trigger for the Stoke counter attacks. Allen’s knack of getting into dangerous positions will also be something the visitors would be counting on.
Betting Odds
Arsenal are favourites for the tie with a home win rated at 4/11 while a win for the visitors is given at 13/2. A draw is priced at 17/4. (SkyBet)
