Prediction: Arsenal vs Stoke

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: William Hill

The Premier League returns this weekend as a result, we’re going to be treated to a parade of Premier League matches which have the potential to be quite exciting. In this particular clash, Arsenal will go head to head with Stoke City, as the Gunners attempt to salvage something from what has been a disastrous season under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Stoke are in search of a miracle as Paul Lambert attempts to drag them out of their current situation.

Arsenal

The Gunners are currently riding an impressive winning streak after their lull in form a few weeks back, but that doesn’t exactly tell the entire story. Wenger’s side are in an extremely delicate position right now in more ways than one, and while they do tend to turn it up a notch towards the end of the season, they can’t just rely on that reputation to help them out here. This is a must win in every sense of the word, especially given that Burnley are lurking right around the corner in 7th.

Team News

Jack Wilshere will likely be in the squad after recovering from a knee problem, and Lacazette should also be fit enough to return.

Stoke

Stoke City have been Premier League regulars for the better part of a decade now, and that sentence alone is enough to make 90% of English football fans feel old. Now, however, they’re on the verge of finally dropping back down into the second tier – and a lot of people are happy about that. Paul Lambert seems to be having more luck with the Potters than he did with the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers, but he still faces an uphill battle to keep them in the top flight.

Team News

Charlie Adam will be suspended, however, Pieters and Diouf are both set to make appearances at the Emirates.

Factors to Consider

• Arsenal haven’t lost at home to Stoke City since 1981.
• A win here would ensure back to back PL victories for the first time since November for the Gunners.
• The Potters would secure the double over Arsenal with a win for the first time since the 1975/76 campaign.
• Arsenal have a Europa League tie against CSKA Moscow on Thursday night.
• Stoke have just one away win which happened back in October against Watford.

Conclusion

While Arsenal have experienced a turbulent season up until this point, they’ve still got more than enough quality to see off the challenge of Stoke City. We’ll go with a comfortable 2-0 win, with one goal in either half.

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: William Hill