Arsenal host Stoke as Nacho Monreal set for debut

Arsenal play Stoke City in today’s Premier League fixture. A big match as there have been 2 draws, 2 Arsenal wins and 1 Stoke win in the past 5 meetings.

With Gibbs injured and Santos not really in form, Arsenal’s new recruit, Nacho Monreal is expected to make his debut.

January has been bad for the Gunners as they could get just one win from five Premier League games. Their last game with Liverpool ended 2-2. Arsenal were down at half time but goals from Giroud and Walcott brought relief to the Gunners. The game exposed the weaknesses in Arsenal’s defence and all eyes will be on highly rated Spain international Nacho Monreal.

Stoke City were able to secure the services of Brek Shea and Jack Butland in the Transfer window, although the young goalkeeper has been loaned straight back to Birmingham City for the rest of the season.

The Potters surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw with Wigan Athletic on Wednesday and extend their winless run to five games in the league.

Arsenal stay above Stoke in the table on 6th place with 38 points and Stoke are at 10th place with 30 points.

Arsenal v Stoke City 8:30pm

Emirates Stadium

Arsenal

Current Streak-L W L W W D

Key Points-

• Arteta could make a return following his injury.
• Coquelin is still out due to hamstring problems.
• Gibbs is suffering from a thigh injury which he picked up against Liverpool.
• New Arsenal signing Nacho Monreal will mostly make his debut.
• The Emirates has witnessed more goals than any other Premier League stadium this season (50)

Predicted Lineup

1. Wojciech Szczesny3. Bacary Sagna4. Per Mertesacker6. Laurent Koscielny5. Thomas Vermaelen16. Aaron Ramsey10. Jack Wilshere14. Theo Walcott19. Santiago Cazorla9. Lukas Podolski12. Olivier Giroud

Stoke City

Current Streak-D L W L L D

Key Points-

• Rory Delap and Matthew Upson are unavailable after signing loan deals with Barnsley and Brighton respectively.
• Brek Shea’s work permit hearing was successful on Thursday but he will need to build up his fitness before making his Premier League debut.
• Marc Wilson remains a long-term absentee with a broken leg.
• Peter Crouch has scored seven Premier League goals against Arsenal.

Predicted Lineup

1. Asmir Begovic28. Andy Wilkinson17. Ryan Shawcross4. Robert Huth2. Geoff Cameron19. Jonathan Walters18. Dean Whitehead6. Glenn Whelan15. Steven Nzonzi26. Matthew Etherington25. Peter Crouch

Predicted Score

Arsenal 2-1 Stoke