Match Preview: Arsenal vs. Stoke City

Mesut Ozil

Again Arsenal will attempt to gain ground in the Barclays Premier League title push Saturday at Stoke City. They’ll have to grab points from an astute side, however.

Stoke have won only once since December 21st and sit just three points above relegation. A home match against giants Arsenal, however, will create high motivation. Manager Mark Hughes is known for his defensive tactics, and should Arsenal lack the determination to fight to get into scoring positions, they stand to be offensively frustrated.

Such was the case when Stoke defeated Manchester United and drew City 0-0 at the Britannia this season. Just last weekend the Potters fell just short of the Citizens, losing 1-0 in a scrappy match at the Etihad.

For Arsenal, Arsene Wenger’s challenge is to put his attacking players in good positions. The Gunners no doubt possess a highly more talented side, but Wenger has to pick the combination of midfielders that can cut through Stoke with passing and movement.

Team News

-Stoke will test the fitness of Peter Odemwingie’s calf before the game, while Jon Walters will play despite missing training with an illness.

-Defender Robert Huth and winger Oussama Assaidi remains sidelined, however, with knee injuries.

-Mesut Ozil and Thomas Vermaelen are eligible to return. Ozil will feature, but Wenger will decide whether to shift Vermaelen to left-back as Keiran Gibbs is out and Nacho Monreal is doubtful to play

Match Notes

-Arsenal beat stoke 3-1 at the Emirates September 22nd through the superb play of Mesut Ozil, who racked up three assists

-In the previous 10 Premier League games against Stoke City, Arsenal have won seven and lost just once. However, they’ve won none of the last three trips to the Britannia Stadium (two draws and a loss).

-Only five teams in the Premier League have claimed more points at home than Stoke City have at the Britannia this season (21).