Arsenal – Stoke City

Arsenal will try to finally get their first home win of the season and hosting out of form Stoke seems to be the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Wenger’s side has been OK so far, but they got just 1 point in their two home games against West Ham and Liverpool – failing to score a single goal and not even deserving more from any of the two matches. It is peculiar, as Arsenal has always been great at the Emirates, but their problems up front are the reasons for their home court issues. Arsenal scored only 3 goals so far, two of them being own goals and they still decided not to sign a striker in the transfer window.

Stoke is sitting in the red zone right now after gaining a measly 2 points in the first 4 Premier League matches. They are on the back of a 1-0 home loss to West Brom, a really poor result against a team that was struggling as well. Offense has been the main problem for Mark Hughes’ side, with just 3 goals scored so far in the league.

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Team news & lineups:

Welbeck, Wilshere and Rosicky are out for Arsenal. Mertesacker is doubtful, while Ozil is back fit. Stoke will miss Adam and Affelay, in addition to Odemwingie, Shawcross and possibly Diouf.

Arsenal: Cech – Bellerin, Koscielny, Gabriel, Monreal – Coquelin, Cazorla – Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez – Giroud

Stoke City: Butland – Johnson, Cameron, Muniesa, Pieters – Ginkel, Whelan, Walters – Shaqiri, Arnautovic, Diouf

Out of any kind of form and without at least two key offensive players, I don`t think Stoke City can pose much attacking threat at the Emirates against an Arsenal side that relies heavily on solid defense right now. Look for Arsenal to play a good game, trying to control the match, not give the ball away and not get exposed on counters.

My tip is an Arsenal win to nil. It has to be noted that the Gunners, while they are always having problems to win their away games at Stoke, managed to winn the previous 13 meetings at home – including a 3-0 result last season. Prediction: Arsenal – Stoke City 2-0.

Pick: Arsenal win to nil
Odds: 1.91 @ Bet365
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.28
Event date: 12 September