In the previous few matches Arsenal have come a long way from the dismal form that saw them drop out of even Europa League places briefly. Although they lost away to Tottenham in the past few weeks, that loss could be seen as a blip.
In the same run they have now defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup, Manchester United in the league as well as Southampton away at St. Mary’s which is always a tricky place to go to for any team.
Stoke of course do not have a local derby to play as such in the league and they take particular pride in spoiling the fun for Arsenal fans, with the rivalry harking back to the days of the Shawcross tackle on Ramsey.
Stoke under former United man Hughes have of course remodelled themselves and become an almost unrecognisable team with fluidity. The likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Ibrahim Afellay have lit up the arena formerly known as the Stadium of Light.
Arsenal will be hoping to gather another three points here but it is not going to be an easy exercise given the fact that history stands in their way. Stoke are a notoriously difficult side to visit for the Gunners with a 12.5% win percentage at Stoke proof of the fact.
Overall however Arsenal have the advantage having won 10 out of 17 matches played between the two teams in the league. They are also the better team on recent form having won four of their last five games while Stoke have a solitary win almost a month ago. They drew two and lost two of the other four games in the same period.
In the race for top four Arsene Wenger’s side need every single point they can get and Stoke fans love nothing more than denying Arsenal their fun, ensuring that this match shapes up as a cracker.