Premier League: Arsenal v Stoke match preview

A look ahead tothe Premier League clash at the Emirates

Playing their third consecutive league game at home, Arsene Wenger’s side will be hoping his team can get back to winning ways after the draw against Liverpool on Wednesday.

In midweek, Stoke threw a two goal lead away in the draw against Wigan, extending their winless run in the league to five games.

Mikel Arteta could return to the Arsenal side after three weeks out with a calf strain. New signing Nacho Monreal could make his debut, after the Spaniard completed his switch from Malaga just before the close of the transfer window.

England international Jack Butland signed on deadline day for Stoke, but was loaned back to Birmingham for the rest of the season. American midfielder Brek Shea also completed his switch on Thursday, but is some way off match fitness.

KICK-OFF: 3.00pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Stoke 0 Arsenal 0, Premier League, August 2012

Stoke 1 (Crouch) Arsenal 1 (Van Persie), Premier League, April 2012

Arsenal 3 (Gervinho, Van Persie 2) Stoke 1 (Crouch), Premier League, October 2011

STATS…

Stoke have only won once in their last nine league meetings with Arsenal.

Arsenal have won five of the ten league meetings between the two sides.

Holding onto Peter Crouch despite interest from QPR may be a good omen for the away side, the striker has had success against Arsenal in the past, once scoring a hat-trick against the Gunners during his time at Liverpool.

Of the last seven fixtures, three have ended with a final score of 3-1.

ODDS…

Arsenal to win: 1.4

Stoke to win: 8.5

Draw: 4.2

CLASSIC MATCH...

In Stoke 's first season in the Premier League they recorded a famous 2-1 win against the Gunners, with Robin Van Persie seeing red and Rory Delap's long throws causing much confusion in the Arsenal back-line.

TV: Highlights at BBC 1 - 10.35pm