Arsenal head into the weekend with only goal differential keeping them above Leicester City at the top of the table. The Gunners will hope to extend that advantage courtesy of a win at Stoke City Sunday, though the Britannia Stadium is one of the most notoriously difficult grounds at which to play. It's going to be an extremely tough match for Arsène Wenger's outfit.
Arsenal vs. Stoke City 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Table-topping Arsenal will hope to extend their lead at the Premier League summit with a win away at Stoke City.
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Stoke are enjoying a fine season, with manager Mark Hughes reaping the rewards of ambitious business in the transfer market. The captures over the last few seasons of stars like Xherdan Shaqiri and Bojan Krkić have seen them transition from long ball Luddites to a genuinely attractive team to watch. With home advantage behind them, they'll be expecting at least a point from this match.
Key player: Mesut Özil (Arsenal)
Arsenal's playmaking wonder Mesut Özil has enjoyed a fine first half of the season, with the German romping to the top of the Premier League's assist charts. He's now finally earning the plaudits he deserves for his fine performances, and the Gunners' title hopes are in no small part contingent on Özil staying fit and healthy. Stoke will have to do their best to suffocate him of space in midfield in this encounter.
Recent history
In meetings between Stoke City and Arsenal, the home side has won on each of the last six occasions. Indeed, not since 2010 have Arsenal won away at the Britannia Stadium -- the only away win in clashes between these teams since 1982. That just goes to show that the Potters’ fortress mentality is an extremely valuable asset indeed, and Arsenal are sure to find things difficult once more.
Stoke City injuries and suspensions
Out: Shay Given (knee). In doubt: Stephen Ireland, Marc Muniesa, Xherdan Shaqiri (hamstring); Geoff Cameron (unspecified).
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Jack Wilshere (leg); Danny Welbeck, Francis Coquelin, Tomáš Rosický, Santi Cazorla (knee). In doubt: Alexis Sánchez (hamstring).
Stoke will be hoping to have key first-teamers Shaqiri and Cameron back available after recent problems, while attacking midfielder Ireland and defender Muniesa could also be involved after longer lay-offs. Their only confirmed absentee is backup goalkeeper Given.
This week Arsenal have been boosted by a selection of players returning to training, though it remains to be seen whether any will be fit enough to be involved. It seems star winger Sánchez is the most likely, which is good news for the Gunners.
Match date/time: Sunday, 11:15 a.m. ET, 4:15 p.m. local
Venue: Britannia Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent, England
TV: NBCSN (US - English); NBC Universo (US - Spanish); Sportsnet regional networks (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US - English); NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (US - Spanish); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); Sky Go (UK)
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