Stoke City vs Arsenal Match Preview
Stoke City have had a good week. They ended Manchester City’s quest for silverware on Wednesday with an extra time 3-1 win in their FA Cup Fifth Round replay. The Potters sit 10th in the league table on 34 points. Last time out in league play Stoke lost 2-0 away to this weekend’s opponents, Arsenal. But in the most recent clash between the two clubs, an FA Cup Fourth Round match up, Stoke beat the Gunners emphatically 3-1 at the Britannia Stadium. Stoke are unbeaten so far in 2010, with six wins and five draws in their last 11 games, including their most recent two matches.
Arsenal will be desperate to make up points to catch front runners Chelsea and Manchester United. Chelsea lead the league with 61 points to United’s 60. The Gunners hold the number three spot with 55 points. But they have a game in hand over United, so a win over Stoke this weekend is crucial to manager Arsene Wenger’s ambitions. The Gunners have won their last two league matches but before these they had two losses and a draw. Injuries continue to plague Arsenal. Robin van Persie has been out since November. Going into the weekend Eduardo, Gibbs, Arshavin, Djourou and Gallas are all listed as injured.
