English Premier
2012-08-26 - Stoke City vs Arsenal
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Sunday 26 August 2012 - Kick Off 1:30pm
This game is live on TV
Stoke City
I am not in the camp that are expecting Stoke City to struggle this season and their point earned at Reading on the opening day of the season has furthered my belief. Tony Pulis continues to improve his squad ahead of the transfer window being slammed shut, the latest being Tom Huddlestone who was loaned from Tottenham Hotspur.
Over the last couple of seasons, Stoke's performances at the Brittania Stadium have been keeping them from a relegation scrap and that will be the foundation of their season again this year. The Potters finished with a 7-8-4 here last season, scoring 25 goals and conceding 20, and this remains one of the toughest away grounds to visit.
Stoke conceded a late penalty at Reading last week to throw away the three points and they have now won just 1 of their last 12 Premier League games, although they have only lost 3 of those games. The team are actually unbeaten in their last 7 League games at the Brittania, although they have drawn 4 of their last 5 here.
Jermaine Pennant is a doubt to face his former club, but may have to settle for a place on the bench at best after Michael Kightly scored last week. Dean Whitehead is suspended after being sent off at Reading last week.
Arsenal
Arsenal could only manage a 0-0 draw with Sunderland at home last week, but there were some positives in the performance of Santi Cazorla and the fact that the side did create chances. However, many fans would have left the Emirates Stadium with the nagging feeling that they would have got the three points if Robin Van Persie was in the side.
The team were a little inconsistent away from home last season, although they still managed a 9-3-7 record while scoring 35 goals and conceding 32. They only secured less away wins than the two Manchester clubs last season, but it will be tough for them to replicate that record with a number of players in the side that won't always be prepared for some of the away games they face, at least not mentally.
Since losing at home to Wigan Athletic, Arsenal are unbeaten in 5 Premier League games, although only managed draws in 4 of those. The Gunners have only lost 1 of their last 8 away games in the League, and they have actually won 5 of their last 7.
Olivier Giroud missed a glorious chance to win the game for Arsenal last weekend, but there are suggestions he will be given a start in this one. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back in the squad, but Laurent Koscielny looks like he may not be passed fit in time.
Head to Head
Stoke City and Arsenal seem to be at opposite ends of the footballing spectrum, especially when it comes to playing style, and there is clearly some issues between the teams that are yet to be resolved.
The Ryan Shawcross 'tackle' that left Aaron Ramsey with a broken leg has increased tension, while Arsene Wenger seems to revel in taking a pot-shot at Tony Pulis' tactics whenever he gets an opportunity.
These problems seem to inspire Stoke in these games, particularly at the Brittania Stadium where they have beaten Arsenal in 3 of the 5 games in all competitions since the Potters returned to the top flight.
Arsenal have won just 1 of their 5 games here over the last four seasons.
Prediction
This time last week, Arsenal were odds on to win this game at the Brittania and I would have been in big on Stoke City to avoid defeat at odds against. However, the two results the teams achieved last weekend has seen Arsenal drift and the value on Stoke in the handicap market has gone.
However, I think Stoke City are worth a small interest in winning this game considering they have won 3 of their last 5 at home against Arsenal and are now facing a team without their talisman Robin Van Persie and one that is going to blood in some new front men that may be a little taken aback by the atmosphere generated at this stadium.
The added tension between the managers fires the team up to really take it to their more illustrious rivals and 3.50 looks a touch big for a team that has won 3 of 5 between the sides.
Arsenal could be missing Laurent Koscielny too and they are vulnerable at the back, something that will be tested by Stoke. The Potters also have enough talent to score the goals to take them to the three points and I can't ignore the price and will take a small interest.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Stoke City 2-1 Arsenal
