Stoke vs Arsenal preview: Gunners head to bogey ground looking to stay top

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at The Britannia Stadium

(Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Joselu: The Stoke striker joined from German club Hannover 96 in the summer and hasn’t set the Premier League alight since, having scored just two goals in ten appearances since joining. He did find the net in the 3-1 win against Norwich in midweek so he will be looking to build on that goal and prove the sizeable price tag that Stoke paid for him.

Best stat…

Arsenal's last win at Stoke was a 3-1 victory in February 2010, a match in which visiting midfielder Aaron Ramsey suffered a terrible leg break that put the Welshmen out of action for 9 months.

Remember when...

Stoke forward Peter Crouch slotted home the opening goal after just 19 seconds? The Potters went on to win the game 3-2 after a first half performance that blew away the Gunners with goals from Crouch, Bojan and Walters.

Player to watch...

Olivier Giroud: The Frenchman has been in the form of his career recently, scoring 10 goals in his last 10 games which has seen Arsenal maintain their spot at the top of the table. Giroud has been criticised in previous seasons but looked back to his very best in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool in midweek. The striker scored twice for the Gunners on Wednesday and will be looking to maintain his impressive form.

Past three-meetings…

Arsenal 2 (Walcott, Giroud) Stoke 0, Premier League, September 2015

Arsenal 3 (Koscielny, Sanchez 2) Stoke 0, Premier League, January 2015

Stoke 3 (Crouch, Bojan, Walters) Arsenal 2 (Cazorla, Ramsey), Premier League, December 2014

Form guide…

Stoke: DLWWLW

Arsenal: WWLWWD

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 4:15pm on Sunday

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 from 4:00pm. Highlights on BBC 1 Match of the Day 10:25pm