After a routine 2-0 win against Hull City in the FA Cup, Arsenal now host Stoke City at the Emirates on Sunday as the Premier League resumes. The North London side currently lie sixth in the standings with 33 points, a place below fierce rivals Tottenham. Stoke City meanwhile are eleventh with 26 points. Mark Hughes’ side beat the Gunners by 3-2 in the reverse fixture earlier this season but Arsen Wenger would know that his team can ill afford to drop further points in their quest for a top four finish this season.
Arsenal are expected to lineup in a 4-2-3-1 setup in teir search for three points in front of their home faithful. Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny who has been involved in a smoking incident should keep his place under the sticks while Wenger would finally be able to field his first choice defensive back four. Laurent Koscielny partners Per Mertesacker while Mathieu Debucy and Kieran Gibbs take their respective wing backs role.
Despite Aaron Ramsey back in training, Wenger could field Francis Coquelin and Mikel Arteta in the double pivot behind the triumvirate of Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott. Olivier Giroud is available after his three match suspension while Danny Welbeck misses out.
Wenger has confirmed that Mesut Ozil is back in training but the German might not be risked immediately and would have to be content with a place on the bench.
Here is the possible Arsenal lineup vs Stoke City
Predictions: Arsenal are tough to beat at home while Stoke are not great in their travels. I predict a 2-1 scoreline for Wenger’s gooners
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