Predicted Arsenal Lineup To Face Stoke City
Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal have pushed themselves back into the mix for top-4 finish after back to back victories over Manchester United and Southampton in the last 2 games. They have to keep up their good work but face a tough trip to the BET365 stadium this weekend.
Stoke City have lost the plot in the last few games and are slowly slipping down in the points table. They have taken just 2 points in the last 3 games and are in the bottom half of the table. They will hope to finish the season strongly, putting in a solid performance against Arsenal, but are not expected to take anything from this game.
Team News
In early team news, the Gunners are without the services of Santi Cazorla for this game. Laurent Koscielny missed the previous game with an injury while Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain was subbed off in the first half against Southampton. But both players are close to a return and are expected to feature in this game.
Probable Arsenal XI:
Formation: 3-4-3
Manager: Arsene Wenger
GK – Petr Cech
Cech has come into his own in recent weeks and has been terrific for the Gunners in the last few weeks. he is a certain starter for Arsenal.
CB – Rob Holding
The youngster has put in solid performances in the last 2 games and deserves to start this game at the back.
CB – Laurent Koscielny
Just coming back from an injury, the French star should take his place at the heart of the three-man defence for Arsenal.
CB – Shkodran Mustafi
Had a good time against Southampton in the mid-week after replacing Koscielny and should start this game in place of Monreal as a part of the back three.
RM – Hector Bellerin
With Oxlade-Chamberlain picking up an injury in the previous game, Wenger should start Bellerin on the right flank.
CM – Granit Xhaka
Adding some mettle and strength to the midfield should be Xhaka, who is having a consistent time in the middle of the park for Arsenal in the last few games.
CM – Aaron Ramsey
The Welsh international put in a tremendous performance against the Saints and was the best player on the pitch in that game. So Wenger should partner him with Xhaka in the midfield.
LM – Nacho Monreal
With Mustafi taking his place at the back, Monreal should be pushed out on wide to the left-hand side of the midfield.
RW – Mesut Ozil
The German playmaker picked up an assist in the previous game but will have to do a lot more to help his team take all three points from this game.
LW – Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean was on target at the St Marys and he will hope to have a similar impact and help his side to a victory over Stoke.
ST – Olivier Giroud
With Welbeck failing to impress in the last couple of games, Wenger should start Giroud up front for Arsenal in this game.
