The strangest of fixtures for us. One we don't seem to know how to win no matter how bad Stoke are at the time.
A team we have a perfect record against at the Emirates (9 wins from 9).
A team we have beaten ONCE in 11 away games going back to 1982/83.
Obviously there has been a lot of hostility since the Aaron Ramsey injury as a result of a Ryan Shawcross reckless hack, but our poor form away to Stoke was already ongoing at this time.
Aaron Ramsey will be the centre of attention again today, although it remains to be seen if Granit Xhaka will be fit enough to partner him. Their improving partnership has been a part of the switch to 3-4-2-1 and it will be a shame if they are split up today. Francis Coquelin will be the likely replacement if Xhaka is rested.
We could finally see Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny together in the 3 man defence, although the Frenchman is a doubt after missing the 2-0 away win at another "bogey ground". If Koscielny is fit it seems a straight fight out between Holding and Monreal for the 3rd CB place - with Monreal obviously a possible for the LWB role.
Hector Bellerin is expected to replace Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at right wing back, although the Ox injury is not serious.
The front 3 I assume will remain the same, despite Olivier Girouds goalscoring sub appearance midweek. Giroud now has the second most goals from the bench in a single PL season - 6 goals in 89 minutes as a sub.
My prediction:
Stoke City 1-2 Arsenal (Ramsey, Giroud)
(Alexis is my FF captain and I have tripled him up, so expect him to limp off 1 minute into the game and miss the midweek game v Sunderland )
Stoke away.
posted on 13/5/17
Leave links of pics of you cawq off my thread please.
posted on 13/5/17
Stoke will make this as physical and as dirty as they can.
Their cup final
posted on 13/5/17
Positive as always, Castor.
posted on 13/5/17
Tough one to call this. If stoke were still playing for something I'd say draw at best.
Hopefully they'll be on their holidays though, meaning less of the shiiiiithousery thuggishness.
posted on 13/5/17
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posted on 13/5/17
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posted on 13/5/17
comment by Castor Troy (U8700)
posted 2 hours, 19 minutes ago
Stoke will make this as physical and as dirty as they can.
Their cup final
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It is but I have no idea why. Does anyone know why Stoke care so much about Arsenal?
posted on 13/5/17
comment by jollygood Ali Nadim (U10469)
posted 38 seconds ago
comment by Castor Troy (U8700)
posted 2 hours, 19 minutes ago
Stoke will make this as physical and as dirty as they can.
Their cup final
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It is but I have no idea why. Does anyone know why Stoke care so much about Arsenal?
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They beat us back in 2009 with overly aggressive tackling and long throws (good old Rory Delap).
Wenger made some comments in the post match press conference and the rest is history. We've hated each other ever since.
The whole Shawcross/Ramsey incident a couple of seasons later certainly didn't help matters but it wasn't the original reason our fans hate each other.
posted on 13/5/17
Ah I remember that game as Clichy scored one of his only goals for us. I don't remember the comments though
posted on 13/5/17
If you lot win, the scousers will be nervous. Would be hilarious if they came 5th.