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Sixth placed Arsenal will be looking to climb closer to a top four spot when they host eleventh placed Stoke City. Join The Roar from 12:30am AEDT on Monday morning for live score updates and commentary.
After suffering an embarrassing defeat to Southampton in their last Premier League fixture, the Gunners will need defensive structure if they wish to shut down the Potters.
With defensive errors being the main cause of Arsenal’s inability to acquire consistent results, Aresne Wenger will need his men in the back to be more organised if they wish to compete in the Champions League next season.
Coming off a win against Hull City in their last fixture in the FA Cup, Arsenal will host Stoke City with some momentum on their back, and will need to use that if they wish to send the Potters home with no points.
Arsene Wenger has suffered more blows with his side, with first choice keeper Szczesny being fined for smoking after a game in the locker room. Wenger may opt to play David Ospina against Stoke instead as further punishment for the Polish keeper.
Arsenal however will be boosted by the return of striker Olivier Giroud, who has served his three-match ban and is back available for selection. Danny Welbeck and Mesut Ozil are still in doubt for the upcoming fixture.
Stoke City have lost just one of their past five fixtures, to league leaders Chelsea. Coming off a draw against Manchester United and a FA Cup win over Wrexham, the Potters will be hoping to build on their positive results when they take on the Gunners.
Striker Peter Crouch has scored more goals against Arsenal than he has against any other side, and will be looking to extend that tally at the Emirates.
Stoke City have also shown interest in Xherdan Shaqiri – he would be a great addition to the squad should he decide to join the Potters.
It has been just over one month since these two teams last met, and it was Stoke City that reigned supreme in an astonishing game. The Potters were up by three at half time before the Gunners scored two goals in the second half in a comeback effort that was not to be.
Arsenal has won twelve in a row at home against Stoke City, however failed to keep a clean sheet in their past six Premier League fixtures. Expect them to continue on both of those trends.
My prediction: Arsenal 2 – 1 Stoke City
Can Arsenal avenge their last loss against Stoke City, or will the Potters make it two in a row against the Gunners? Join us on The Roar from 12:30am AEDT to find out.
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