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Barclays Premier League
23rd Oct 2011
KO 13:30
Ground: Emirates Stadium
Arsenal after having an awful start to the season have started to find their feet again with positive results if not performances. 5 wins in the last 6 games shows an improvement in results which can only lead to better performances. A run of wins will work wonders on the confidence of any side and the results will be performances which delight Arsenal fans. This Sunday, Arsenal will look to marry the two and really start that process of getting back up the table and into the top 4. Stoke on the other hand, started the season strongly but have found it hard to adjust to playing in Europe on Thursday and then the league. Stoke sit just like Arsenal on top of their group in Europe. Which for a first season rookie is pretty impressive. Stoke have spent a lot of money in the summer the three big buys being Cameron Jerome,Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios. There has always been a bit of edge to this fixture because of the two clashes of styles. Expect another feisty game as the two clash once more in the premier league on Sunday.
Team News:
Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson suffered a knee injury against Marseille in midweek and joins the Gunners' defensive injury list.
Kieran Gibbs is still absent with the stomach muscle strain, while Thomas Vermaelen could return in two weeks.
Stoke winger Jermaine Pennant is battling with a hamstring problem and faces a late fitness check.
Danny Higginbotham, who has been out since April with a knee injury, could feature after playing for the reserves.
Form:
Arsenal:LWLWLW
Stoke: WWLDLW
Three Key Match Ups:
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Overall Record vs Stoke:
Played: 93
Won: 49
Draws: 21
Losses: 23
For: 154
Against: 90
GD: 64
Last 6 meetings:
Stoke 3 - 1 Arsenal
Arsenal 1 - 0 Stoke
Stoke 1 - 2 Arsenal
Stoke 3 - 1 Arsenal (FA Cup)
Arsenal 2 - 0 Stoke
Arsenal 4 - 1 Stoke
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Views from the Manager on Stoke
“They are a good team, especially offensively. Pennant, Etherington, Walters, Crouch, Jerome - offensively they have huge potential.
“They are always difficult at the back to beat because the back four is stable and doesn't push forward too much. They go for a more direct game, that's why it is difficult to get them out of position.
“But at home we have always done well against them and that is what we want to continue to do.”
My Line-up:
---------------Szczesny----------------
Djourou--Koscielny--Mertesacker--Santos
------------Song------Arteta-----------
AOC-------------Ramsey---------Gervinho
----------------v.Persie----------------

****ing donut.