Stoke City vs Arsenal Preview: Stringing Together Some Wins

If Arsenal showed anything on Wednesday against Southampton, it was that we have a team that will fight for every point. Those are the type of games good teams win, and if we want to be in the top four by the end of the season, we need to become a great team.

Going away from North London to play this weekend’s game will be a tough test. Arsenal face a Stoke City team that is relatively declined defensively but have great counter-attacking weapons. It will be interesting to see what formation Arsene Wenger chooses to use.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Stoke City

Arsenal are overdue for a dominate win, and I predict one coming against Stoke City. Their offensive weapons are always brimming with skill and they’ll be able to showcase on Saturday. Here are the keys to the game.

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1. Team Defense

Arsenal’s defense, when healthy, is one of the best in the league. The duo of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Kocielny has been heralded as the best centerback pairing in the league and with the young exuberance of Kieran Gibbs and Calum Chambers bringing down the flanks, it’s a defensive force that’s among the best in Europe. They’ll provide another clean sheet.

2. Santi Cazorla

All the moaning and groaning finally paid off. The little magician has found his magic stroke again, as he’s been an absolute force in midfield as of late, particularly when playing his preferred central role and not on the flanks. Look for that run of good form to continue and maybe, just maybe, he can nab that illusive goal.

3. Alexis Sanchez

Need I say more? He’s the heartbeat of this team. He will score, he always does.

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