Arsenal seemed to be making something of a resurgence after a slow start to the season, but Arsène Wenger’s side went right back to square one in a disappointing defeat to Southampton last time out. They’re now down in sixth place in the table, three points in arrears of the final Champions League qualification spot. They’ll look to get back on track at home to stubborn Stoke City in this match.
Arsenal vs. Stoke City live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
Arsenal take on Stoke on Sunday, smarting from a defeat to Southampton in their last league outing.
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The Gunners certainly shouldn't expect the Potters to make life easy. They head into this game having picked up seven points from their last three matches, including a hard-fought draw at home to Manchester United. Stoke are one of the best defensive teams in the league, and their physical game could cause problems for Arsenal's shaky defensive line.
Key player - Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal)
Alexis Sánchez isn’t only Arsenal’s best player, he’s one of the best players in the league full stop. The Chilean winger has made an excellent start to life in the Premier League since arriving from Barcelona in the summer, and he’ll undoubtedly pose the biggest threat to Stoke’s defence in this match.
Key matchup - Bojan vs. Mathieu Flamini
Of all of the country's top teams, Arsenal surely have the flimsiest midfield. Even Manchester United's is sturdier than the Gunners'. With their only true defensive midfielder, Mathieu Flamini, not especially good at his job, Stoke's attacking midfielder Bojan could well find the space to dictate the game through the middle. It isn't only from crosses that Stoke could cause problems in this game.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Abou Diaby, Mikel Arteta (calf), Serge Gnabry (knee), Jack Wilshere (ankle). In doubt: Yaya Sanogo (hamstring), Danny Welbeck (thigh), Mesut Özil (knee), Aaron Ramsey (hamstring).
Stoke City injuries and suspensions
Out: Peter Odemwingie, Steve Sidwell (knee), Victor Moses (thigh), Mame Biram Diouf (international duty). In doubt: Bojan (hamstring).
Arsenal’s injury list is still long, with first-teamers Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere still definitely out. Danny Welbeck, Mesut Özil and Aaron Ramsey are all doubtful. Stoke’s most notable absentee will be striker Mame Biram Diouf, who is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty. However, attacking midfielder Bojan could recover from a hamstring problem in time to play.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 1:30 p.m. local, 8:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
TV: NBCSN, Directv (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Online (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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