Arsenal entertain Stoke at the Emirates on Sunday with both sides on a high after midweek European successes.
Arsenal gunning for fourth PL home win on the bounce
Arsenal entertain Stoke at the Emirates on Sunday with both sides on a high after midweek European successes.
The Gunners beat Marseille 1-0 in France to sit pretty at the top of UEFA Champions League Group F, while the Potters defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv to lead Europa League Group E.
Both teams go into this game on the back of home successes in the Premier League - Arsenal beating Sunderland 2-1 and Stoke defeating Fulham 2-0 - following away losses to Spurs and Swansea respectively.
But history is against the Potters, who have not won at Arsenal since a 1-0 success back in 1981, while Tony Pulis' side have managed just six shots on target and one goal from a penalty in three visits to the Emirates Stadium.
Team news
Arsenal will be without a recognised right-back when Stoke visit.
Carl Jenkinson is "very unlikely" to be fit, according to Arsene Wenger, after injuring his knee during the midweek win at Marseille.
And with Bacary Sagna sidelined until the New Year with a broken leg, Wenger is likely to field Johan Djourou on the flank.
The Gunners have no new concerns as they chase a sixth success in seven games in all competitions, but Kieran Gibbs (stomach), Abou Diaby and Thomas Vermaelen (both ankle) are all a fortnight away from fitness.
Stoke boss Pulis will give Jermaine Pennant a late fitness test before naming his line-up for the Emirates Stadium.
Former Gunner Pennant has been struggling with a hamstring injury and missed Thursday's Europa League win.
Kenwyne Jones may keep his place the starting line-up after scoring on his return to the side from a hamstring injury in the 3-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Asmir Begovic is set to return after veteran Thomas Sorensen was in goal against the Israelis but Robert Huth, Dean Whitehead, Cameron Jerome and Ryan Shotton - who all started the Europa League tie - may be back on the bench for this clash.
Wilson Palacios made his return from injury from the bench against Maccabi and may again have to settle for a substitute's role, while Danny Higginbotham, who has been out since April with a knee injury, may also feature after a successful run-out with the reserves, but Ricardo Fuller is definitely out.
Possible starting XIs:
Arsenal: Szczesny, Djourou, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Santos, Arteta, Walcott, Song, Rosicky, Gervinho, Van Persie.
Stoke: Begovic, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Upson, Wilson, Delap, Whelan, Etherington, Pennant, Walters, Jones.
