Arsenal vs Stoke Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Arsenal get back to domestic action as they welcome Stoke City to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday lunchtime.

The Gunners head into the game off the back of Wednesday’s 2-1 win away at Marseille which secured a record-breaking 10th consecutive victory on the road. Theo Walcott broke his duck in that game before Aaron Ramsey continued his fine start to the season with his 6th goal of the campaign.

Arsene Wenger’s side have recovered well from a poor start to the season by winning their last three league games following an opening day defeat to Aston Villa, and last weeks 3-1 win at Sunderland sees the north Londoners sit second in the Premier League table and just a point behind leaders Liverpool.

Stoke arrive in London full of confidence after a positive start to life under new boss Mark Hughes with the Potters holding Manchester City to a 0-0 draw at the Britannia before winning away at West Ham last time out.

However, Hughes will know that his men has lost all five of their previous visits to the Emirates so he’ll be hoping to end that poor record this weekend.

Team News

Arsenal have been boosted by the news that midfielder Mikel Arteta could return to the squad after taking part in full training on Friday. The Spaniard hasn’t featured yet this season due to a thigh injury but could be in contention if he proves his fitness ahead of the game.

Santi Cazorla is still three weeks away from a comeback from an ankle injury and he joins Lukas Podlski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Abou Diaby, Yaya Sanogo and Tomas Rosicky on the sidelines leaving boss Arsene Wenger with few options in attack.

Record summer signing Mesut Ozil is set to make his first appearance at the Emirates since making the move from Real Madrid on deadline day, while Thomas Vermaelen, Carl Jenkinson and Nacho Monreal are all pushing for starts at the back.

However, Wenger is likely to name an unchanged line-up before rotating his team for the midweek Capital One Cup tie against West Brom.

Stoke are sweating on the fitness of Charlie Adam who is a doubt after needing stitches following a training ground incident, but he’s expected to be passed fit to start on Sunday.

Mark Arnautovic is pushing for a start after impressing off the bench in recent weeks, while Stephen Ireland is also hoping to feature.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Aaron Ramsey: While all eyes might be on Mesut Ozil, the man of the moment is Ramsey and he heads into the game in the form of his life, so I’m backing him to continue it against the club/player that almost ended his career.

Predicted Score

Arsenal 2-0 Stoke: Stoke have a woeful record against the Gunners at the Emirates and Wenger’s men are grinding out the results right now. Despite their injury problems, I feel they’ll have too much for the visitors to handle.

What would your team be and what’s your predicted score for the game? Share your views below.