Arsenal had an amazing start to their Premier League season, with striker
Robin Van Persie scoring in 10 out of 10 matches he started. However, when the Dutchman picked up an ankle injury (will be out for up to 5 months), things began to fall apart. In the four matches since then the Gunners have lost three, which outlines the importance of Van Persie to this squad. This past weekend Arsenal lost an important derby match to
Chelsea and would lsoe again on Wednesday against
Manchester City, who knocked them out of the Carling Cup. Although
Arsene Wenger rested many of his starters against City, the Gunners are still missing several key players. The absence of Van Persie, Clichy, Djourou, Gibbs, Diaby, Sagna and Bendtner have given the manager some serious selection headaches. The team will be motivated to win this match, but without much depth they may struggle against Stoke City.
After managing to avoid relegation last year,
Stoke City has performed past all expectations in the first half of the season. Just 3 points from European qualification, the Potters have kept a low score in most of their Premier League appearances. Their home form has been noticeably better than away, but even away they have only conceded an average 1.14 goals per match. Manager
Tony Pulis will no doubt opt for a defensive formation with the hopes of scoring in the counterattack. The only major injury concern is that of midfielder
Dean Whitehead through suspension.
Arsenal will no doubt try to regain their past form, but without their influential Dutch striker, they will have trouble dominating a team who is playing as well as
Stoke City. The Potters have kept it incredibly tight in defense both home and away and they will likely beat the Asian Handicap spread.
Arsenal F.C. vs. Stoke City
Saturday December 5, 2009
Kickoff: 16:00 CET
Tip: Stoke City +1.75 (Asian Handicap)
Best Odds: 1.90 @ BetFair
