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Home›Match Previews›EPL Match Day 18 (makeup date): Arsenal v Stoke City: Match Preview

EPL Match Day 18 (makeup date): Arsenal v Stoke City: Match Preview

By Michael Price
February 23, 2011
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The cool thing about this match up, I didn’t have to wonder what I was going to write. It actually had all been written back in December when this match was originally scheduled. This meeting is our makeup match with Stoke and puts back in the plus column on games versus United. But enough about that let’s talk about today’s tie shall we.

It’s a classic tale really. A tale of substance versus style. Beauty versus brawn – oh hell why be coy – it’s Arsenal versus Stoke City. It’s Wenger versus Pulis and I don’t think I need to clarify who I prefer in this battle.

So what’s the perfect rememdy for a lacklustre performance against Leyton Orient? Taking out all that frustration on Stoke maybe? A win today and Arsenal close the gap on United to a point and place further distance between them and City. Maybe it won’t last long United will play their catch up match on the weekend while we are off playing for silverware for the first time in six years. The good thing about the match is it brings us up on par on games played with City. A win places the distance between the two clubs to 7 points and really creates a two way race for the title.

The big concern here for Arsenal is of course playing the rugby side tha is Stoke. With fixture congestion due to fighting in four competitions, the Arsenal have 5 matches in relative short time. They actually have 4 matches in 4 different competitions in this run, but I digress. The style (if you can call clubbing a style) of play for Pulis’ side is well documented – in case you forget what it is – ask Aaron Ramsey. There lies the dinstinct possibility that one of players could wind up severely injured. An injury that keeps someone of the first squad out for a while, wouldn’t be devastating but it could make a title run dicey.

The match itself has all the makings for a potential flare up both from the fans perspective and quite possibly the players. It was during this fixture last year at Stoke that Ryan Shawcross recklessly went into a 50-50 with Aaron Ramsey and broke his ankle.  Arsenal went on to win that match 3-1 but the ill feeling still lingers. Oddly enough (or maybe not) it is Tony “the pugilist” Pulis that is fanning the flames.

In pre-game interviews he tried to play the refs by drawing attention to Arsenal’s disciplinary record this season. He insinuated, quite mockingly that he should be informing the refs. I think I should remind Tony that our yellows and reds haven’t resulted in any broken ankles. And hey, we’re not that type of team.

Arsenal need something and not just a draw from this match. They failed to show up against Orient after the brilliant Champion’s League win against Barcelona. They have, as I mentioned, a complicated gauntlet of matches coming up that requires everyone remain as healthy as possible. This is an important match to create buffer room from other chasers. Arsenal need to bear down and measure themselves and make sure they have the mettle for what lies ahead. They must now put aside all the frustrations from this weekend and the fixture congestion that results from it and come out with a disciplined, attacking effort in order to get back on track.

How the Match Should Play Out:
Arsenal should come out and dictate terms early. They haven’t conceded a goal in the first 25 minutes and compared to last season they are scoring earlier in most games. This will be one of them and I suspect since their tails will be raised we could have 2 Arsenal goals before the 30 minute mark. With Szczesny in goal, I don’t like Stoke’s chances of getting a goal. He is a big and as players are learning can be an intimidating presence in goal.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Marouane Chamakh. The morrocan was on fire in the early season, but the weight of being the only striker for the first third of the season took its toll and he hasn’t started in a regular EPL match in 2011. With Van Persie out due to a “calf” injury, its his time to get back in.

Stoke: Ryan Shawcross. You may remember him. He’s not that kind of guy. Whatever kind of guy he is, this is his first visit since taking out Ramsey. Let’s say I just suspect the atomsphere will be less than welcoming.

Probable Starting XI:

Arsenal 4-2-3-1 Stoke 4-4-2

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Diaby (suspension – 1) Van Persie (calf) Koscielny (calf) Fabianski (shoulder) Frimpong (knee), Vermaelen (Achilles)

Stoke:  Etherington (back & hamstring) Faye (hamstring)  Sidibe (Achilles)

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Nasri 14 (9 league) Van Persie 13 (10 League) Chamakh 10 (7 league)   Walcott 9  (6 league)

Stoke: Huth 7 (6 league) Jones 7 (5 league) Walters 7 (3 league)

Last Meeting: (EPL)
Arsenal: 3

Stoke: 1

Goals For:
Arsenal: 2.2(home)

Stoke: 0.9 (away)

Goals Against:
Arsenal: 0.9 (home)

Stoke 1.5 (away)

Last Five:
Arsenal: WDWWW

Stoke: LWLLW

Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 29

Stoke: -2

Match Officials:
Referee: Peter Walton
Assistant referees: Martin Yerby & Patrick Keane
Fourth official: Phil Crossley

Broadcast Information:
Broadcast in all areas unknown, due to Champion’s League

GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!
www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3

Stoke:  1

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44 comments

  1. Fred 25 February, 2011 at 13:24 Log in to Reply

    Its good that some are finally getting it that Fabregas is a different type of player from the likes of Nasri, Wilshere, et al.

    Our system needs a master passer, someone who cuts thru all the clutter with a flick of the heels.

    So there really shouldnt be any surprise that our game tailed off when Fabregas went off. No matter how good Nasri, Wilshere, Arshavin, Rosicky, etc are, they are movers/runners and things get unbalanced without the passer – in our system anyway.

    I am guessing though that we might have been a bit more coherent if Fabregas hadnt started at all, rythm wise and all.

    Overall, when people criticize Fabregas for having a “bad game” what they are actually criticizing is his failure to “move/run” like you would expect from Nasri/Arshavin, etc. Its easier to appreciate a slaloming run or a goal than a defense splitting pass.

    • Macmac007 25 February, 2011 at 14:00 Log in to Reply

      Well said, Fred.

      Cesc is the hub and the statistics prove it. This season we’ve won almost twice as many games with him than without him — and we lose fewer games too.

  2. ChicagoGooner 25 February, 2011 at 13:04 Log in to Reply

    Wenger: “Walcott will be out for two to three weeks with an ankle problem. I would say it is very unlikely he will be fit for the second leg of the Barcelona game. I imagine the worst so maybe I will be surprised in a positive way but I just give you my gut feeling at the moment.”

    Whatever is wrong with Theo, Tony Pulis should have the same injury inflicted upon him as retribution. I fucking hate these teams like Stoke that ruin other teams’ seasons b/c they aren’t good enough to compete with them by staying within the rules. That injury was no accident; with the strategy Stoke adopted in the 2nd half, it was bound to happen. Should we lose against Barca, I also say we file a lawsuit against Stoke demanding that they pay us the equivalent of all the lost revenue from not making the CL quarterfinals. Just to make a point that these shite team’s illegal tactics have major detrimental effects to real team’s real ambitions.

    • Fred 25 February, 2011 at 13:14 Log in to Reply

      @ChicagoGooner,

      I actually dont think the Stoke game was that violent. I can really remember any bad tackles except one shown studs on a Sagna clearance.

      The Walcott injury had nothing to do with the Stoke player – he twisted his ankle on the turf as he fell. It could have happened in any match and against any team – even in training.

      Same with the Fabregas hamstring. It had nothing to do with any tackle.

  3. Macmac007 24 February, 2011 at 21:11 Log in to Reply

    So no Cesc and no Theo. But we get back Van Persie, Koscielny and Diaby.

    I fancy a 3-1 victory on Sunday as we exploit the wide spaces of Wembley and great playing surface. But this is B’ham’s big game of the season, so they will give it their all.

    Let’s assume Nasri will fill the Fabregas slot with Arshavin on the wing and Van P. in the middle. So I suspect Rosicky will come in alongside Wilshere and Song. Maybe Diaby.
    Anyone but Denilson, who’s crablike ways would give Ray Wilkins a run for his money.

    The good thing is can all relax because we have Bendtner and Chamakh as impacts subs…

    • highburyterracesteve 24 February, 2011 at 23:51 Log in to Reply

      @Macmac007,Guess we’ll wait another day to hear from CK….

      While waiting I’ll say the following….

      #1, The obvious: there was a massive drop off in quality once Cesc left the pitch. But, maybe with the one goal lead it was all pre-ordained so as to rest him for his Nou Camp bow….Call me a conspiracy monger, if you must….

      #2, Wilshere and Song are MFs (uh, that would mean midfielder….not anything else) but unlike Cesc their effectiveness diminishes as they near the opposition pen. area. Jack is crafting a left foot to match Cesc’s right on lofted balls and Alex can SEE the killer through ball if not deliver it, but neither has that combo of vision and skills, including finishing skills, that the Capitan possesses….

      #3 Arshavin, Bendy and Theo and Nasri are not MFs….The first two lack the mobility to come back for the ball, touch it and then get forward, the latter two lack the dribbling skills (Theo) and/or the range of passes (Nasri) needed to be effective from deeper positions.

      The upshot of 1, 2 & 3 is that we really, really need Cesc to recover on schedule and we can afford no further injuries or suspensions, esp. to Alex and Jack. Diaby, I think will get the nod over Denilson for the CC final unless we try some crazy 4-4-1-1 formation (Arsh & Bendy wide w/ Nasri tucked in behind RVP, maybe?). It’s great that Ramsey is back in the fold but I see him only getting garbage time, hopefully ASAP, vs Brum or in the FA Cup replay.

      These two matches and then Sunderland in the league are all very winnable and hopefully will allow some twenty players to get some pitch time and stake a claim to get a shot at Barca. And, funny enough, I even suspect that Theo might somehow become available, at least in order to “worry” the Spaniards.

      We’re walking a tightrope for sure, but at least we’re up in the air….

    • Fred 25 February, 2011 at 13:14 Log in to Reply

      @Macmac007,

      Wembley has great playing surface??

      • Macmac007 25 February, 2011 at 21:42 Log in to Reply

        I just watched Ray Parlour on Arsenal World test it with a kick about and give it the thumbs up.

  4. DaAdminGooner 24 February, 2011 at 17:24 Log in to Reply

    Cesc out 7-10 days. Similar injury to Nasri’s. Defniitely out for Sunday should be back for Barca.

    Van Persie, Koscielny and Diaby all back for Final

  5. highburyterracesteve 24 February, 2011 at 09:35 Log in to Reply

    Looking forward to CK’s match report—particularly if he has any insight into the injury issues, the “quality” of the home support, and any other impressions of particular players or the scene in general.

    And I know he’ll give it to us straight….

    Thanks in advance….

    • Sachin 24 February, 2011 at 14:51 Log in to Reply

      @highburyterracesteve, Yeah Steve I am also looking forward to his assessment.

      Also CK, I truly hope you get tickets for the final. That will truly be once in a lifetime chance. I have never been to a cup final but the atmosphere can’t be matched with a regular season game atleast that is what looks via TV :) The final represents the end point for a season’s hard work and the ultimate goal for playing the tournament. Not counting monetary gains.

  6. Arsession 24 February, 2011 at 01:05 Log in to Reply

    @ DAG
    In this sport most managers stick with their favorite XI……till they drop.

    You can’t have 10 changes to your side and expect any kind of continuity. Even our manager has said that after 3-4 changes….. chemistry starts eroding quickly.

    ManU struggled with Crawley Town…….barely winning 1-0 “at OT”……playing very poorly – evening putting Rooney on at halftime. I guess Gibbs and Miguel could have done better in preventing the Leyton goal…….but it is a learning experience for both.

    Watch “March Madness” in America. Big time programs are constantly losing to ‘UNRANKED’ teams from small schools. That is the fascination and no different in FA Cup competition – historically; the excitement is about the small club having their moment……and this season is no different. Whether the opponent is in PL, Championship, of Div. 1……its 1 ball and 11 players for each club. The condition of the pitch, pitch size, elements, attitudes, momentum swings, officiating……so many f*cking variables to deal with….anything can happen to any club at any level.

    It is not a matter our players not trying, its their lack of playing time and match fitness. They are not sharp technically and tactically, because their playing time is not regular. Diaby, Bendtner, Eboue, Denilson, and lately Squillaci, and Chamakh have not seen sufficient playing time.

    The replay with Leyton is not a big deal. It will give some of these non-starters valuable playing time.

    I did not see the match today, yet. Injury to Cesc and Theo is not what any of us wanted, yet this is the reality of a manager’s life. Just when things are going your way, sh*t happens. Then you have Bendtner integral in the goal today & the much maligned Squllaci scoring the winner. Bendtner will work his way back to the starting line up…….because he has IQ and technique to play under pressure. Always in the right place and ALWAYS has the technique to deliver to the open player.

    @ Fred
    When we were disagreeing about the youth of the team……for me a contributing factor for their inconsistency…….at Newcastle……and other matches.
    A few posts back you challenged me to name our 25 man PL roster. Well, we only have 20 players registered for the PL. For our club, that was the number that our manager deemed necessary to register.
    When you noticed our starting lineup v. Barca. Theo, Wilshere, and Szczesny – all three starters that night ARE NOT ON OUR PL ROSTER. Neither is Gibbs nor Aaron Ramsey. Because of their age (U-21), clubs can have unlimited # of players U-21…….I would venture that most Arsenal fans would consider these 5 players every bit qualified to start or close to selection; so it is only a league rule with an asterisk and Arsenal have depth in the asterisk. (Vela and Traore-on loan are also in this group)

    Should the club have bought another CB, and back up for Song, a keeper? We will find out over the next 80 days.

    Arsene, right or wrong, is going with this core of young players. You don’t have to agree, but at this moment, MORE OF HIS PLAYERS are stepping up this year and Sunday will be another report card for players and manager.

    • Kiwi 24 February, 2011 at 01:32 Log in to Reply

      @Arsession,

      I agree with much of what you say.
      This idea of simply rolling out the B-team and expecting a result based on their paper-strength seems a little unrealistic. Like you say, players need playing time together. This applies to Arsenal even more-so given our playing style which is strongly biased toward passing, possession & accuracy.

      Time certainly will tell whether Arsene has miscalculated his resource requirements (again?). This is where we must apply the same cool measure and not rely merely on ‘paper strength’. On paper 4 CBs may be enough, but if one CB has been out all season and another (key) one has historically been physically fragile then it suggests that 4 on paper is not 4 in reality. If we get undone because Djourou breaks down and Kos/Squil look awful together then……. Arsene should hold his hand up and say I buggered up again.

      I hope he’s got it right this time. I hope van Persie and Djourou continue to be ever-present contributors to the end of the season. But history suggests that hope is closer to wishful thinking than soundly based reasoning.

    • Fred 24 February, 2011 at 05:09 Log in to Reply

      @Arsession,

      1) Why are you raising a dead topic from previous threads that you completely failed to respond to?

      2) You still have not told me the 25 players we have. Talk of B and C and youth players is completely irrelevant to the discussion. What is the point of saying Wilshere and Walcott are B players when they START for the first team, isnt that semantics? So if they are not on our PL roster, that means our current PL roster is about 12 or 13 or something ridiculous like that.

      How does that counter my “lack of depth” argument in any way?

      The points you deem to argue are just haphazard and rather lacking in logic. Sorry.

    • Fred 24 February, 2011 at 05:13 Log in to Reply

      @Arsession,

      Lastly, sorry, our second “team” is garbage.

      The moment ONE of our first teamer goes out, our level drops significantly.

      If injuries strike our first team, we’ll drop like a stone.

      And no, Denilshit, Rosicky, Eboue, Squillaci, Almunia, et all aint gonna save us ….. even if they have lots of matches to get in form with.

      • Arsession 24 February, 2011 at 09:02 Log in to Reply

        @Fred, no club puts out a 2nd team and their play is close to 1st team selections……no club……only in fantasy land.

        • Fred 24 February, 2011 at 12:53

          @Arsession,

          Yeah, sure, but no title winning team has such a precipitous drop in quality when a couple of first teamers are removed. No need for your false arguments.

          Also, why bring up an old argument from over five days ago WHEN you still cant name the 25 players we have available?

          Your next comment must mention them or maybe we should just move on.

  7. Kiwi 23 February, 2011 at 20:46 Log in to Reply

    The upside is very good, 3 points and pressure on ManU as we turn our gaze to other comp’s. Also good that we could hold out against the EPLs biggest set of thugs.

    The downside remains to be established. Walcott out is a shame, although Arshavin in my mind was always a potential (preferable?) starter in his place. What we do lose is Theo and his pace as an option.
    The loss of Fabregas for the Final would be large, it’s not that we can’t win without him, we can, it’s as much about having HIM lift the trophy. He NEEDS to do that, to feel he captained this side to a win….. we’ll know more once the injury is diagnosed.

    We saw again today how fragile momentum can be within a game. We started off with great urgency, great possession & peppering their goal, but the goal we scored and Fabregas going off seemed to deflate our balloon almost immediately. This reflects football in general, but also our perculiar physcological team makeup…… we’re just a bit more ‘fragile’. It’s partly our style of play (needs to be in perfect tune) but also in our head. It was even present in our early successful teams.

    That said, we seem to make little steps of progress in becoming more mentally robust – with things like the addition of Wilshere and some players becoming a bit more hardened mentally and physically with experience. And this is as much as we can hope for. Because Wenger will NOT go out and address this mental issue by signing mentally hardy players – he just won’t.

  8. Macmac007 23 February, 2011 at 20:32 Log in to Reply

    http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3427489/This-is-why-Arsenal-fail.html

    Interesting dose of clear-eyed reality from Arsenal’s psychological consultant.

    Which of course got proved wrong by tonight’s result. We can hold on to a lead against a bunch of thugs if we want to.

    I really hope the goal gives Squillaci a confidence boost for the rest of the season. He looked much more composed tonight. And it can’t hurt that our new No. 1 keeper doesn’t get caught napping. Great one-handed save from Carew.
    Although he did have an Almunia moment when he came out for a corner he had no chance of getting, but mercifully it was headed over the bar.

    Arshavin is bustling again, which is crucial for giving us width and a burst of pace when a team lines up two rows of 5 behind the ball. Bendtner worked hard tonight, although I just don’t see how he is going to be transformed into first choice striker to spearhead a season like Van P. He’s the thinking man’s Duncan Ferguson!

    Anyone know if Van P. is a possibility for Sunday?

  9. ChicagoGooner 23 February, 2011 at 19:42 Log in to Reply

    “One nil to the Arsenal”.

    20 years ago it was a derogatory chant favored by our rivals, targeting our boring yet effective style.

    Nowadays the phrase sounds like a paracox or an oxymoron. Arsenal don’t win 1-0. They need to score more than one to win, and if they only score one they don’t win.

    That’s what I was thinking about late in the game- it would be a good moral victory if we could get a 1-0 win. An ugly win, yet one that is nonetheless essential to maintaining the title challenge.

    When’s the last time this happened, you may ask? Not since Octoberr 30th against WHU have Arsenal won a game “one nil”. Those are the only two times this season.

  10. DaAdminGooner 23 February, 2011 at 19:40 Log in to Reply

    So another clean sheet in 2011 there have been 8 EPL matches played by Arsenal in them Arsenal have 6 clean sheets.

    Also, I want to throw out a replacement for Cesc if (god forbid) he is a long term injury.

    Master Aaron Ramsey is back at the club after his Championship tie on Saturday. Based on the reports from Young Guns and fromt he couple of Cardiff matches I have seen – he looks to be in good form.

    So if he is back – what about a midfield of Ramsey, Song and Wilshere as a replacement for Cesc. Then have Arshavin, RvP and Nasri up front.

  11. Macmac007 23 February, 2011 at 19:18 Log in to Reply

    A big win in it’s way. Stoke really came at us in the last 15mins, throwing in a few choice tackles and lobbing in the heavy artillery. But we didn’t buckle or panic.

    We didn’t play particularly well either — too much one-paced tappy tappy, especially in the first half, when they were there for the taking. But a vital three points. Clean sheet and Squillaci in the same sentence! Second assist for Bendtner!

    ManUre have three tricky away games in a row coming up – Wigan, Chelsea and L’pool. If we are going to catch or overtake them, then this could well be the moment.

    Something will give in the other contests — the quadruple talk is just tempting fate and a repeat of previous springtimes where we crumbled on three or four fronts in the space of a week or two.

    I’m guessing another Barca thrashing if we don’t have Cesc or Van P., and a demoralizing results at Old Trafford in the FA Cup. So a piece of silverware on Sunday would be just the ticket for our momentum.

    Let’s hope Cesc and Theo get well soon.

  12. Fred 23 February, 2011 at 19:14 Log in to Reply

    I was seething with rage when Denilson came on …. but all that mattered in the end was that we took all three points.

    Nothing more to say about the game. One point behind Man U is all we can ask.

    It is a bit clear that the FULL first 11 + Arshavin is good enough to win the league this year. The big, red, glaring obstacle ofcourse is injuries and tiredness in the face of a very heavy schedule – a problem that has occured continually over half a decade and one in which we are not really better positioned to overcome.

    • DaAdminGooner 23 February, 2011 at 19:37 Log in to Reply

      @Fred,

      Here it is Fred –

      Kudos to Nicky for winning the free kick and then the little chip shot for the header.

      • Fred 24 February, 2011 at 00:41 Log in to Reply

        @DaAdminGooner,

        Aha, cheers DAG :-)

  13. DaAdminGooner 23 February, 2011 at 19:06 Log in to Reply

    Injury updated – per post game press –

    Walcott – sprained ankle misses cup final

    Cesc – will have hamstring reassessed tomorrow

    • Sachin 23 February, 2011 at 19:39 Log in to Reply

      @DaAdminGooner, well Pulis has ensured a few bottles of Scotch from McLeish and SAF for this injury set back.

  14. Sachin 23 February, 2011 at 18:57 Log in to Reply

    With this game over, I can say it now…I want a trophy on Sunday :)

    yes I will be that greedy fan whose sole goal is for his beloved team to win the cherished Carling Cup but isn’t a little greed good? Or as Gordon Gecko said, greed is legal now.

  15. Sachin 23 February, 2011 at 18:45 Log in to Reply

    Yayy 3 precious points!!! Although will have to wait and see the injury cost. 1-0 to the Arsenal!!!!

    Although does not look like it was comfortable?

    Also, Arsenal are the only team to have won their home leg in the first leg Champs League matches. Only Chelsea have a two goal cushion while there are 3 more single goal wins.

  16. Sachin 23 February, 2011 at 18:23 Log in to Reply

    3 points and no more injuries!!

    That has been Arsenal’s mantra for the last few years and I can’t believe I have to evoke it again. Are Arsenal the only club whose fans have to worry about injuries and financies so much?

    • ChicagoGooner 23 February, 2011 at 18:42 Log in to Reply

      @Sachin,
      Well we got the 3 points…. but once again Stoke injure an Arsenal player. They came out after halftime with a very obvious pre-meditated strategy to foul and be physical beyond the rules. When you do that it’s a question of ‘when’ you injure an opposition player, not ‘if’. Them, Birmingham, and Hull all need to go the Conference.

      • Sachin 23 February, 2011 at 18:53 Log in to Reply

        @ChicagoGooner, then it is best that I didn’t see the game as I would wanted to harm Mr headbutt. What can one expect from a manager who head butts his own player?

  17. Macmac007 23 February, 2011 at 18:12 Log in to Reply

    1-0 20mins to go. We definitely need that second goal… So we have Denilson coming on for Theo…

    Amazing how blunt we get without Fabregas or Van P. We should have crushed these goons by halftime.

    Come on Gunners. Let’s hang on for the three points.

  18. Kiwi 23 February, 2011 at 17:07 Log in to Reply

    Arsenals game has lost its fizz, a combination of the goal and Fabregas going off.

  19. Kiwi 23 February, 2011 at 17:05 Log in to Reply

    Quite a surprise with the line-up….. almost all first choice.
    I thought Wenger might have an eye to the final in a few days.

    Fabregas off…… not sure if he is injured seriously or just a precaution. What I feared.

    • Sachin 23 February, 2011 at 18:05 Log in to Reply

      @Kiwi, did anyone tackle him or did he pull something on his own?

  20. DaAdminGooner 23 February, 2011 at 16:34 Log in to Reply

    Starting XI:

    Szczesny, Djourou, Squillaci Sagna, Clichy, Song, Wilshere, Fabregas, Nasri, Walcott, Bendtner

    I will remain true to my word – if Nicky B is the catalyst in a win today – I will refrain from any harsh comments until next season.

  21. Macmac007 23 February, 2011 at 14:29 Log in to Reply

    Hold onto your hats.

    Johan Djourou, who has recovered from a back injury, will return to partner Sébastian Squillaci in central defence against Tony Pulis’s side.

  22. Fred 23 February, 2011 at 12:45 Log in to Reply

    No worries for this game, the Bendtmeister has got this! :-D

    A goal and an assist for him as we smash these Stoke thugs 4-1.

    • DaAdminGooner 23 February, 2011 at 13:11 Log in to Reply

      @Fred,

      If Nicky B is the deciding factor in this match – I will speak fondly of him until the end of the season!

      To me this game above all others is the most important lately.

      • vibe4arsenal 23 February, 2011 at 13:31 Log in to Reply

        @DaAdminGooner,

        “To me this game above all others is the most important lately.”

        Hopefully, you’ll want to say that every week for weeks to come.

  23. News Arsenal Soccer - EPL Match Day 18 (makeup date): Arsenal v Stoke City: Match Preview 23 February, 2011 at 11:07 Log in to Reply

    […] Visit Youaremyarsenal.com for more informations and other articles Share this article with your friends: […]

  24. Caribkid 23 February, 2011 at 09:55 Log in to Reply

    This game truly kills my Fantasy League as both RVP and Koz are out :reallypissed:

    On a brighter note however, is that I will be at the Emirates for the game and wearing my lucky red underwear (used it to beat Chelsea and has not lost since) :laugh:

    Heading out to the old Highbury in a few before tanking up at the Gunner’s Pub and heading to the game early to take in the atmosphere. Shame I can’t carry my pro camera to share this experience, but what the heck.

    Somewhat worried without 2 key pieces, RVP and Koz but let’s see if the Great Dane can live up to his own hype. Would be good to see Cesc break his goal drought and Andrey continuing to regain his confidence.

    BTW, have not seen sun for the three days since I’ve been here.

    Cheerio old chaps

    • vibe4arsenal 23 February, 2011 at 11:34 Log in to Reply

      @Caribkid,

      “On a brighter note however, is that I will be at the Emirates for the game and wearing my lucky red underwear…”

      Boxers? Briefs? Boxer-briefs?

      I mean, if you insist on painting a picture….

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