Arsenal finally managed to break the dreadful custom of losing their opening game of the league despite Leicester City coming dangerously close to keeping it that way. However, the thrilling 4-3 win also saw Arsenal’s defence come under huge criticism and the Gunners would aim to make up for it as they visit Stoke City next.
Predicted 3-4-2-1 Arsenal Line-up vs Stoke City
Defence
The position under the bar should continue to be taken by Petr Cech for this game too. The former Czech custodian had a mixed game against Leicester City. While him conceding three goals was largely due to Arsenal’s horrible defending, he should have done better for the second goal without a doubt.
Arsene Wenger has revealed that Per Mertesacker and Shkodran Mustafi have returned to the side. While the former German international had to sit out the last game owing to a cut on his forehead that he suffered during Arsenal’s FA Community Shield game against Chelsea, Mustafi took his time before getting back his match fitness following the prolonged holiday he got after Germany’s Confederations Cup win.
Nacho Monreal should continue to take his place as the left sided centre half while Rob Holding is expected to be pushed to the bench following a nervy display at the Emirates last week. Apart from that, this game ends the three-match suspension of skipper Laurent Koscielny.
Midfield
The midfield duo is expected to remain unchanged with Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny taking their positions. Although the tireless Francis Coquelin has returned to the squad from his injury, Arsene Wenger would continue to go with his success formula for the time being.
Arsenal needed two late goals from Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud to take the game home last time and we expect the Welshman to come off the bench this time too. Apart from them, Arsenal would continue to be without Santiago Cazorla and Jack Wilshere. Wilshere is expected to return from his leg injury fast with the manager planning on playing him at the U23 level before handing any first team chance.
The wing back roles should be taken by Hector Bellerin and Sead Kolasinac. The new signing has been quite impressive for Arsenal so far and given the physical nature of Stoke’s playing style, Wenger would want him over Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Attack
Alexis Sanchez continues to miss out with his abdominal strain as Wenger is expected to start with Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil. Wenger had started their new French forward against Leicester City but we expect the towering Giroud to start against the likes of Bruno Martins Indi and Kurt Zouma.
