Stoke City vs Arsenal - Premier League Preview and Odds

Published on: 18/08/2017

Stoke City vs Arsenal - Premier League Preview and Odds

August 19, 2017 17:30pm - Bet 365 Stadium

Premier League

Stoke failed to take anything from the opening game away to Everton and things will not get any easier on Saturday when they welcome top four hopefuls Arsenal to the Bet365 Stadium.

The Potters were by no means outplayed in the drab opener game against Everton and it took a last first half strike from Wayne Rooney to separate the teams. However, they struggled to create any chances of note and that could be an issue going forwards. The loss of Marko Arnautovic, Jon Walters and Joselu wont have helped their cause, while Ibrahim Afellay is still absent through injury.

Stoke did not perform well at home against the top teams last season, suffering defeats at the hands of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham. However, they did take a point from their clash with Manchester United and also drew with Everton on home soil.

Arsenal started the season well, beating Chelsea in the Community Shield final and then coming from behind twice to beat Leicester City in their thrilling Premier League opener.

New boy Alexandre Lacazette got on the score sheet after just two minutes and Olivier Giroud came off the bench to grab the crucial fourth for the Gunners.

Injury news

Stoke City:

Injured - I Afellay (knee), S Ireland (broken leg).

Arsenal:

Injured - A Sanchez (abdominal), G Paulista (MCL knee ligament), S CazorLa (plantaris).

Recent form (all competitions)

Stoke City: LWLLW

Arsenal: WWLWL

Betting odds and tips

When comparing the firepower of the two teams, and given the home sides poor record against the top six, it is hard to imagine anything other than an away win here. The Gunners are quicker, more energetic and tactically superior although they may still be a little weak at the back. Of course Stoke will try to exploit this but it is questionable if they have the personnel to really take advantage. Despite all this, Stoke remain a tough side to break down, as Everton found out last week, so a huge goal count should not be expected.

You can back Arsenal to win at 17/20 with Bet365, while Under 2.5 goals can be backed at Evens.

By Neil Morris