Arsenal Vs. Stoke City: 3 Key Battles
Arsenal and Stoke City each scored three goals in their respective midweek fixtures and similar numbers will likely be on the score-sheet when they meet at Britannia Stadium this afternoon. Arsene Wenger plans to register his first victory in six years in the very venue, but, much to his dismay, he will expect a close-fought battle akin to the Liverpool clash.
Despite involving two teams, whose targets differ drastically, this fixture never fails to entertain the audience. Though we may likely see much less touchline drama than yesteryears, players are certain to compensate for it, given the phenomenal rise in quality of Stoke City football.
Olivier Giroud versus centre-backs Ryan Shawcross and Philipp Wollscheid will beyond any doubt be the match-deciding skirmish, but SoccerSouls takes you through three key battles that would also decide the outcome of this game in theory.
1.David and Goliath
Hector Bellerin goes up against 6ft 4in tall Marko Arnautovic, whom he pocketed in the Emirates Stadium fixture. The Stoke City left-winger has since notched six goals and five assists, including a brace against title-contenders Manchester City, thereby establishing himself as an intimidating presence in the Potters lineup.
Much to the delight of the Arsenal right-back, who stands only 5ft 10in tall, the gigantic Austrian has never managed to score a header goal, though his aerial cannot be undermined and Per Mertesacker should step up to nullify any potential threat. How the Spanish fullback fares against an in-form Marko Arnautovic will be exciting to watch.