Stoke City vs Arsenal Match Preview and Predictions

Stoke City vs Arsenal Match Preview and Predictions

Arsenal travel to Stoke on Saturday in search of yet another 3 points in the Premier League. The Gunners began their campaign in dramatic style, beating Leicester City 4-3 last Friday. Stoke’s fortunes were not as similar, the Potters narrowly lost 1-0 to Everton at Goodison Park.

The Gunners are likely to make the trip to Stoke without Alexis Sanchez, who’s future continues to dominate headlines as the transfer window nears completion. The Chile star is still recovering from a knock and continues to fight to be ready for next weekend’s blockbuster against Liverpool. According to Jack Rathborn of the Mirror, Wenger told a press conference Sanchez should return to face Liverpool next weekend, and that he also hopes Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will stay at the club despite interest from several clubs. However, Wenger did admit that Lucas Perez will be allowed to depart before the transfer window slams shut.


Laurent Koscielny will miss the clash through suspension, but Per Mertesacker, Shkodran Mustafi and Francis Coquelin are expected to be ready for Arsenal after missing the first game against Leicester, whilst Jese Rodriguez is expected to make his debut for Stoke after arriving on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Spaniard has been brought in to replace the departing Marco Arnautovic, who signed for West Ham United earlier in the summer. Rodriquez’ arrival will improve Stoke’s attack greatly, and provide Arsenal with a bit of food for thought as their defence can often be shaky.

Stoke will want to record their first points of the season, but perhaps Arsenal will prove to be a step too far. The Gunner’s have far too much fire power going forward, and new no.9 Alexandre Lacazette will hope to continue his goal scoring form.

Predicted XI

Cech

Mustafi – Mertesacker – Monreal

Bellerin – Ramsey – Xhaka – Kolasinac

Ozil – Giroud – Lacazette

Predicted score – 0-3