Arsenal make the tough trip to Stoke City this afternoon to take on Mark Hughes side at the Bet365 Stadium.
The home side lost 1-0 to Everton last week thanks to a Wayne Rooney goal, and will be keen to kick-off their home campaign with at least a point, but I’m sure they won’t be expecting it.
Arsenal won their opening game in exciting fashion last Friday, overturning 2-1 and 3-2 deficits to win 4-3 against Leicester City, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to snatch the win. Our side showed great fight to conquer the 2016 Premier League champions, and will be looking to build on that victory with another today.
We come into the match with two key absences in Laurent Koscielny and Alexis Sanchez, but neither featured against the Foxes last week, so there is no need to feel disheartened given the wealth of options available in our squad.
Predicted XI:
Cech
Holding Mustafi Monreal
Bellerin Ramsey Xhaka Kolasinac
Ozil Iwobi
Lacazette
This side should have more than enough to overcome Stoke today, despite their height and technical ability. The away side interestingly have more Champions League winners in their squad than any other side in England, and have clearly done well to bring in experienced winners, but today will not be their day.
I predict a 3-1 win away today, with Lacazette doubling his tally in only his second Premier League outing.
Should the Ox start ahead of Kolasinac? Does Elneny deserve to start over Ramsey? Is the above team right to take on Stoke’s strengths?
Pat J