Stoke City – Arsenal

Stoke City take on league leaders Arsenal at Britannia Stadium and the hosts will draw confidence from their excellent Head 2 Head record against the Gunners at this venue.

The hosts have not lost at Britannia Stadium against Arsenal since 2010 and have won the last two home meetings, so they will not be too scared of Arsenal’s current form – especially since Stoke is playing some great football as well. The Potters are currently on the 7th place, winners of 3 out of the last 4 Premier League matches. Stoke is on the back of a 3-1 home victory over Norwich City.

After winning 3 consecutive matches in all competitions, Arsenal was so close to claiming a win at Anfield, but they suffered a last minute equalizer to finish tied 3-3 in an excellent football match. The Gunners have dropped to the 3rd place in the standings after Saturday’s results, but a draw would be enough to see them go back on top.

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Team news & lineups:

Shay Given is the only definite absentee for Stoke, but there are also question marks over the fitness of Shaqiri, Muniesa, Bardsley, Cameron and Ireland. Arsenal only has the long term injuries to worry about: Welbeck, Rosicky, Wilshere, Cazorla and Coquelin. Alexis Sanchez is close to full fitness, but he might not be forced today, especially with Campbell playing really well. Ospina is doubtful.

Stoke: Butland – Bardsley, Shawcross, Wollscheid, Pieters; Whelan, Afellay – Walters, Arnautovic, Bojan – Joselu

Arsenal: Cech – Bellerin, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal – Flamini, Ramsey – Campbell, Ozil, Walcott – Giroud

Last season Arsenal was close to a disaster at this venue, being down 3-0 and receiving a controversial fourth goal that was initially given before being ruled not valid. The Gunners clawed their way back into the game, but it was not enough and it was yet another nightmare run at Britannia Stadium.

Stoke’s type of football at home does not suit the Gunners and considering Stoke’s excellent form, they have a very good chance of claiming at least 1 point. Arsenal is also playing well, but they will surely be a bit down on morale after allowing that last minute goal to Liverpool and knowing that they hate to play here at Britannia. This is also the type of game where Coquelin absence will be massive, as Stoke will turn up the physicality and Arsenal does not have men in the middle to match them.

I expect a tight match to be played here, so my tip is Stoke City to cover the +0,75 asian handicap. Considering that we get half of our stakes back if Arsenal wins by 1, I don’t think an 8 unit stake is too high. Prediction: Stoke City – Arsenal 1-1.

Pick: Stoke (+0,75 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.71 @ Sbobet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 5.68
Event date: 17 January