Arsenal vs Stoke City- Preview, Team News, Prediction, And Kick-Off Time
Dec 9, 2016 at 10:54 PM
Arsenal is set to face Stoke City in Premier League this Saturday as the Gunners would be keen to continue the 13-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League.
Arsene Wenger has managed to turn things around for Arsenal dramatically after a slow start as they are clearly one of the favourites to win the league this season as the side has been overwhelmingly consistent over the past three months.
However, Stoke City will be no pushover as the Potters have been in great form as well as they lost only once in their last nine games. But considering the form of Sanchez at the moment, Arsenal might have the edge going into the game.
Team News
Arsenal
The Gunners would be happy with the recovery of Hector Bellerin as the young Spaniard is almost ready to make a comeback into the squad this weekend after suffering an ankle injury in early November.
Long-term absentees Mathieu Debuchy (hamstring), Danny Welbeck (knee), Per Mertesacker (knee) and Santi Cazorla (Achilles Tendon) are ruled out of the fixture. Wenger will go into the game with near full squad at his disposal to clinch another three important points to increase pressure on Chelsea at the top.
Stoke City
The Potters also have their share of injuries as they miss a number of players for the crucial fixture. Shawcross (calf), Bardsley (knee), Cameron (knee), Afellay (knee), Butland (ankle), Ireland (leg) are all set to miss the game against Arsenal.
What Did The Mangers Say?
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on his side’s development:“We have a good team dynamic, we have a very strong team spirit and we have more maturity, definitely. Unfortunately, the teams around us have more as well.
“You can assess the Premier League as very open and very interesting… December is a very important month and for us even more because we have some big games.
“Stoke is another challenge for us [to show] that we can reset, refocus and continue our development and take the points.”
Stoke manager Mark Hughes: “In the past as a club, we’ve struggled to get results at places like Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge but we’ve been able to do that in recent times.
“This is the only one left standing so it would be great to get it out of the way. Our recent form is good and we’re in the good heart so confidence is high, that is huge in football, so we’ll be able to benefit from that.
“It’s up to us to restrict them to minimal chances and make sure we’re creating chances when going the other way.”
Key Stats
- Arsenal won their last 14 home games against Stoke City across all competitions.
- Stoke City last won a game away at Arsenal in 1981 at Highbury by 1-0.
- Stoke City have lost only once in their last nine Premier League games (W5 D3).
Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Stoke City
Kick-Off Time: December 10, 2016 (15:00 GMT)