please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Venue: Britannia Stadium Sunday, January 11th 2015 KO Time: 13:30 BST please log in to view this image Head to Head Against Stoke City: Played: 93 Wins: 47 Draws: 21 Losses: 15 Goals For: 147 Goals Against: 89 Goal Difference: 58 Last 6 Meetings: Stoke City 3-2 Arsenal Stoke City 1-0 Arsenal Arsenal 3-1 Stoke City Arsenal 1-0 Stoke City Stoke City 0-0 Arsenal Stoke City 1-1 Arsenal please log in to view this image Starting XI + Subs: please log in to view this image
I think the ox will get the nod ahead of theo as this will be a rather physical game. Wouldn't be surprised if Ramsey starts as well - he always seem to be thrown in as soon as he is available. I look forward to have özil back - on the bench. With bit less expectations. This will be good!
Yeah that's also one of the possibilities I thought about and the most likely tbh. If Ramsey starts I'd want to see Coq instead of Flamini at DM. Ozil can come off the bench. Santi is in too good form to drop
Agreed! I think coq is in a form as well - and having two def mid is boring. Santi will score, finally!
Our record against Stoke at home in the Premier League is imperious. Let's hope it continues tomorrow
I'm sure he'll be good and up for it considering he's had a week's break.. this and Man City, then he can possibly take two week's off when we play Brighton.
Yeah january is a good rest month for us, seeing as there are 7 days between each game. Plus the Brighton game where we'll field a half strength side if that. I'd go with Alexis and Walcott flanking Giroud. Hopefully they'll run the Stoke defence ragged. Having to deal with a big strong striker as well as watching for the runs of 2 pacy attacking wingers would cause any defence trouble. Cazorla has to play centrally given his recent form, and if Ramsey is fit he'll probably come into the side.
I think we will see a full strength side. They've had a weeks rest and we got beaten by stoke last time we played. -----------------Szcz---------------- Debuchy--mert--Kosc--Gibbs ----------Coq---Ramsey------- Walcott-----Cazorla-----Sanchez ----------------Giroud-------------- Something like that is a possibility depending on fitness.
Well looks like we were all wrong! - here's the team David Ospina starts in goal for Arsenal, with Wojciech Szczesny on the bench. Mesut Ozil is also among the substitutes on his return from injury. Arsenal XI: Ospina, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky, Cazorla, Alexis, Giroud. Subs: Szczesny, Bellerin, Flamini, Ramsey, Ozil, Campbell, Walcott
Team news: Ospina, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky, Cazorla, Alexis, Giroud Subs: Szczesny, Bellerin, Flamini, Ramsey, Ozil, Campbell, Walcott
Wonder where Gibbs is - and I wonder if Wenger is being ruthless with Szczesny and Flamini now he's got options to replace them?
Gibbs failed a late fitness test. Chambers is unwell. Coquelin has been playing well enough in recent weeks to merit a start ahead of Flamini here.
Shame Walcott isn't deemed fit enough to start - but I suppose it's sensible to bring him along slowly after so long out... Good to see a combo of Giroud's physicality and hold up/link play combined with 2 pacey options on the flanks and Cazorla's vision behind!
