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Slowly but surely, Arsenal resuscitate their season. Wins over Marseille and Sunderland last week have resonated former success within the Gunners' camp; but the visit of old rival Tony Pulis' Stoke City normally provides an unrivaled challenge for Wenger's men.
Tony Pulis and Arsene Wenger have had a number of personal disagreements over the years, and whenever these two sides meet, more often than not there is an incident of note on the football pitch.
This game also pairs Aaron Ramsey against Ryan Shawcross for the first team since 'that tackle' back in 2010, that left the Welshman writhing in agony on the ground with a broken leg.
Arsene Wenger has always been an ambassador for beautiful football, whilst Tony Pulis' style of play has been a more aggressive style with long balls looped into the box; put simply, Arsenal and Stoke City have a completely different fashion of football.
SQUADS
Full backs Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs are both missing for this one, in addition to Bacary Sagna. That means Andre Santos will probably play with Laurent Koscielny on the right. Thomas Vermaelen is not quite ready for action just yet.
Up front, manager Arsene Wenger hinted Robin van Persie could be rested for this game; but we suspect this match is far too important to leave the Dutchman on the sidelines.
For Stoke City, Danny Higginbotham returns after injury, and his run out in the reserves last week indicates that he could be thrust into first team action.
THE MATCH
Arsenal and Stoke City both have lofty European ambitions this year, and midweek games could take their toll on both teams. Expect to see a sluggish battle. Arsenal do not have the strength in depth as in previous years, and a number of injuries and the hangover of a midweek European battle could prove disastrous.
Meanwhile, Stoke City added to their squad satisfactorily during the summer, and have a wealth of defensive options to call upon.
FORM
Form suggests something different. Stoke have never taken a point at the Emirates, whilst Arsenal have won their last three games at the Emirates.
PREDICTION
Arsenal 1-1 Stoke City
FIRST GOALSCORER
Mikel Arteta
Written by Samuel Turnbull
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