Stoke City vs. Arsenal Preview

Arsenal are inching towards qualification for the Champions League next season and can make their place in Europe’s premier club competition certain with a win against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday April 28.

Three points for the Gunners would give them an unassailable six point buffer at the least over teams placed fifth and below and Arsene Wenger’s men should be able to oblige.

They didn’t quite have the rub of the green last time out against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium but demonstrated enough quality to suggest that they should be one of the two clubs to occupy third and fourth spot.

And Arsenal’s run of form on the whole since mid-February has been highly impressive especially considering the dire start which they made to the campaign.

Champions League qualification will certainly leave the Gunners faithful reasonably satisfied even if a little disappointed at yet another season devoid of silverware.

Stoke City supporters will also be downbeat at their team’s effort in 2011/2012 as the club has largely failed to build upon the solid start made to Premier League life last term.

The Europa League arguably caused a little distraction to the Potters domestic progress; nevertheless it is fair to say that the Brittania Stadium has lost its tag and reputation as a fortress.

Tony Pulis’ men have been average at best on home turf despite only losing four games but that record looks set to worsen when Arsenal make the trip northwards.

Stoke’s back line completely caved against Newcastle recently and a repeat of that inept defensive display will surely gift Arsenal a crucial three points.

Many teams like Stoke, who are lodged in mid-table, often fizzle out towards the end of the season as there is little as stake and an overall lack of incentive to perform with 100% commitment.

Arsenal’s energetic forwards should be able to make their presence felt and cut through the home side who will be feeling the pinch with only three games left in the campaign.

Pulis will of course demand an improvement from his side although a clash against a hungry Arsenal at this stage of the season will hardly be welcomed with open arms.

And with the Gunners likely to dominate possession it will probably feel more like an away fixture for Stoke who will struggle to create enough chances to give the fans an end of season show.

Arsenal will be popular with punters considering that they will be desperate to secure a Champions League berth and are appealing at a shade of odds on to prevail.

Even despite Arsenal’s many woes this term, there are 23 points separating the two sides and the visitors can confirm that superiority with aplomb.

Robin Van Persie had a major off day against Chelsea but the Dutchman can get back amongst the goals and should be placed in any wincast bet as he will be striving for form ahead of the Euro 2012 finals.

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23/04/2012     © Frixo 2024