Arsenal V Stoke: Preview

Arsenal v Stoke

 

Sunday 25 May 2009, Emirates Stadium

Kickoff: 16:00

Arsenal

Arsenal drew 0-0 with Manchester United at Old Trafford in their last league match.

In their last five, Arsenal have won two, drawn two, and lost one, earning eight points from the fifteen on offer. The Gunners have secured fourth place in the league, currently trailing third placed Chelsea by eleven points and leading fifth placed Everton by nine points.

Arsenal will be without goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, whilst back-up keeper Lukasz Fabianski is currently suffering with a knee problem which means 21-year-old Vito Mannone may be handed his Premier League debut.

Samir Nasri is also out for Arsenal with a knee injury

Stoke

Stoke City beat Wigan Athletic 2-0 in their last league match, the Potters' second straight victory.

In their last five, Stoke have won three and drawn two, picking up nine points from the fifteen on offer. Their recent run of good results has ensured Stoke's survival in the Premier League with the Potters currently 11th in the league, two points behind 10th placed Manchester City and three points clear of 12th placed Wigan.

Stoke will be without Danny Higginbotham, Abdoulaye Faye, Salif Diao and Mamady Sidibe.

Prediction

Earlier this season in the Stoke vs Arsenal fixture, the Potters ran out 2-1 winners.

Both teams have little to play for, with their positions secured. However, Arsene Wenger may well have a point to prove after his long-term team strategy has come under considerable criticism recently by both the media and Arsenal fans alike.

Arsenal will want to silence the critics at home in their last match of the season, and so will go into this match as heavy favourites against the impressive Stoke side.

Read the complete preview with the best online betting odds at the Arsenal vs Stoke odds and preview page now!

Then read our other weekend football preview pages: Hull vs Manchester United, Liverpool vs Spurs and Sunderland vs Chelsea.