English Premier League: Predicting the Arsenal Starting XI vs. Stoke City

Arsenal's tough, impressive 1-0 win over rivals and English Premier League leaders Manchester United provided the Gunners with a slim revival of their EPL season and tenderly reignited of their title aspirations.

However, in reality the Premier League title is out of Arsene Wenger's men's grasp with Chelsea and United now the main contenders for England's crown. Yet that does not ensure the Gunners' encounter with Stoke City is deemed ineffective. Far from it.

Manchester City are five points and a game in hand behind Arsenal in fourth and should the Gunners drop to fourth, it would signify a complete failure of a season. Fortunately, there will be no lack of motivation when Arsenal encounter Stoke City. The two sides share a frail relationship after the Potters captain, Ryan Shawcross, broke Arsenal young gun Aaron Ramsey's leg with a precarious tackle in the sides' match in February last season.

Ramsey's recovery has been slow with the Welshman forced to experience loan spells with Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City during this season, but the 20-year-old, who had become a promising force before his injury, has returned to full fitness and heroically scored the winner against United last week.

Arsenal have a tendency to struggle against the more physical sides in the Premier League, particularly Stoke. Tony Pulis's side has defeated the Gunners before and boast slight form with no losses in their last three Premier League encounters.

However, the Gunners will be full of confidence alongside boasting a relatively fully fit side. Stoke's Britannia Stadium is a tough place to perform and the trauma of last season may haunt the young Arsenal outfit. But there is no denying Wenger's men play better with less pressure and with nothing to lose, many expect an Arsenal victory.

Let's predict the Gunner's starting XI.

Goalkeeper

As expected, Wojciech Szczesny will start as the goalkeeper for the Gunners. The Polish youngster has been in sublime form since receiving his opportunity as the Arsenal first team shot stopper in January. Veteran German Jens Lehmann will continue to deputize despite the presence of Manuel Almunia, who could potentially overtake Lehman as the substitute keeper.

Predominant first-choice keeper Lukasz Fabianski is still recovering from his season-ending shoulder injury sustained in January.

Defender

Belgium enforcer Thomas Vermaelen could be in line for a shock return to the Arsenal lineup. The defensive leader has not featured since August after sustaining a persistent Achilles injury in August. Vermaelen completed 90 strong minutes for the Arsenal reserves but is unlikely to start for Wenger. A bench place is appears the likeliest option at the moment.

The predominant central defensive partnership of Swiss Johan Djourou and Frenchman Laurent Koscielny is certain to continue. Furthermore PFA Right Back of the Year Bacary Sagna will also start alongside veteran left back Gael Clichy.

Vermaelen's reintroduction could force either Sebastien Squllaici or Ivorian Emmanuel Eboue off the substitute bench whilst English international Kieran Gibbs will recieve an emergency bench role.

Midfielders

Arsenal captain and maestro Cesc Fabregas missed the Manchester United clash with a hamstring injury but is expected to be fit to play against Stoke City. This would ensure Aaron Ramsey is demoted to the bench despite his efforts against Sir Alex Ferguson's men. This may be beneficial as Wenger will be tentative to use Ramsey on both a mental and physical scale against Stoke, considering what occurred.

Renowned defensive midfielder Alexandre Song will of course play behind Fabregas whilst teenage sensation and the destined Arsenal Player of the Year Jack Wilshere will also start in a more attacking role.

Imposing Frenchman Abou Diaby is still curtailed by a calf strain but could feature on the bench. Czech Tomas Rosicky and Samba star Denilson are possible contenders for bench roles too but neither are likely to feature.

Forwards

French playmaker Samir Nasri was unable to complete past the first half of the United victory due to a calf strain but is also expected to return to full fitness for the Stoke match. The Frenchman will start on the left wing with English speed machine Theo Walcott on the right. Both are likely to be substituted deep into the second half.

In-form Dutch striker Robin van Persie—who boasts 19 goals this season, top of the Arsenal scoring charts—will take on the lone striker role and will be pivotal in the Arsenal attack. This ensures unwanted trio Andrei Arshavin, Nicklas Bendnter and Marouane Chamakh will be forced to take on bench roles. All three should feature.

Substitutes

With seven places on Wenger's bench, Jens Lehmann will become the emergency keeper whilst Kieran Gibbs and hopefully Thomas Vermaelen will take on the deputy defenders. Aaron Ramsey will be demoted to the bench thanks to Cesc Fabregas's return whilst Marouane Chamakh, Nicklas Bendtner and Andrei Arshavin should be the impact attackers.

Injuries are often the main result for Arsenal when the Gunners face Stoke City, however Wenger's men managed a 1-0 win last time the two sides met in January. Many predict an Arsenal win.