Ahead of todays clash with Stoke City we take a look at the team news and video preview.
TEAM NEWS
On-loan Stoke striker John Carew will be hoping for a run-out after recovering from a back problem. Carew came on in the second half last weekend when they drew withBlackpool following a frustrating time since his short-term move from Aston Villa. Full-backAndy Wilkinson is expected to recover from a knock but Matthew Etherington, Ricardo Fullerand Danny Higginbotham are ruled out through injury.
Centre-back Thomas Vermaelen could return for Arsenal after nine months out with an niggling Achilles problem. Full-back Gael Clichy (hamstring) and defender Johan Djourou (ankle) face fitness tests. However, captain Cesc Fabregas (thigh), Samir Nasri(hamstring) and Abou Diaby (calf) are all still out.
MATCH FACTS
In two previous appearances against the Potters combined, Robin van Persie scored twice and was sent off once.
Stoke have won four of their last five home league meetings with the Gunners, and also knocked Arsene Wenger’s side out of the FA Cup at the Britannia Stadium last season.
Kenwyne Jones has fired in 39 headed shots in the Premier League this season, seven more than any other player.
Arsenal have taken more points away from home (30) than any other team this season.
Arsenal have netted the most goals in the opening 15 minutes of Premier League games this season (15) whilst the Potters have scored the fewest (one).
Robin van Persie has attempted more shots per game (3.27) than any other regular player in the top flight this season.
The Gunners possess the best shooting accuracy in the Premier League, hitting the target with 48.6% of their shots.
The Potters have scored a greater proportion of their goals from set pieces than any other side (48.8%) whilst Arsenal have scored relatively less than any other team (19.1%).
Stoke have played 71.3% of their passes in, or into, the opposition half in matches this season; a Premier League high.
Arsenal have the best passing accuracy in the opposition half in the Premier League this season (79.8%), while Stoke have the worst (55.7%).
ODDS
Stoke 4/1, Draw 11/4, Arsenal 7/10
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