Facts and figures ahead of the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium.
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal are without Carl Jenkinson due to a knee injury sustained against Marseille so, withBacary Sagna a long-term absentee, Johan Djourou could start at right-back. Kieran Gibbs(stomach) and Thomas Vermaelen (ankle) are also missing from the defence, while Abou Diaby is still unavailable.
Tony Pulis will check on the condition of wingerJermaine Pennant. Former Gunner Pennant has been experiencing some trouble with his hamstring and did not feature in the Potters’ Europa League victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv.Jonathan Woodgate also missed that game as he is not part of Pulis’ European squad and will come back into contention if he is fit, whileDanny Higginbotham – out since April with a knee injury – may be involved as well after playing for the reserves this week.
MANAGER QUOTES
Arsene Wenger: “It’s hard (to play in the Premier League after European games) but let’s hope they (Stoke) suffer a little bit. It’s very important for us to play to our strengths and not hope that Stoke are weaker because they have played in Europe. We are expecting a good opponent and for us to continue to focus. I feel the team has a good basis because the players are intelligent, they have a desire to do well and you can see the unity in the group is there.”
Tony Pulis: “It was a smashing win (against Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the Europa League on Thursday night). Scoring three goals, keeping a clean sheet and no injuries was important. And getting Kenwyne Jones through 90 minutes after his injury was fantastic. I made seven changes, but those who haven’t been playing regularly have come in and their attitude has been spot-on once again.”
MATCH FACTS
Stoke have managed just six shots on target and one goal (from a penalty) in three visits to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have scored in all seven matches against Stoke in all competitions since the Potters were promoted back to the Premier League.
Stoke City have fired in fewer shots on target (21) than any other team in the Premier League and only Swansea (34%) have a worse shooting accuracy (36%).
Robin van Persie has scored 23 goals in 25 Premier League games in 2011
Stoke have scored the highest percentage of goals from set pieces in the top flight (67%) while Arsenal have scored the lowest percentage (8%).
Arsenal have won just five of their last 19 Premier League matches since beating Stoke 1-0 at the Emirates in February last season (W5 D7 L7). That victory was the last time the Gunners won back to back Premier League games.
Stoke City have made the fewest passes under 35 yards (1799), while Arsenal have made the fewest passes over 35 yards (319).
Robin van Persie has hit the woodwork 19 times since August 2008; five more than any other player and only five other players are in double figures.
Stoke have never drawn a Premier League game away against a London club, winning three and losing 12 of their visits to the capital.
Arsenal have used the joint-most players in this season’s Premier League (27), while only Aston Villa (19) have used fewer than Stoke City (20).
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