3 Key Battles (Arsenal Vs. Stoke City): David Vs Goliath To Battle In Wings

Arsenal Vs. Stoke City: 3 Key Battles

Arsenal and Stoke City each scored three goals in their respective midweek fixtures and similar numbers will likely be on the score-sheet when they meet at Britannia Stadium this afternoon. Arsene Wenger plans to register his first victory in six years in the very venue, but, much to his dismay, he will expect a close-fought battle akin to the Liverpool clash.

Despite involving two teams, whose targets differ drastically, this fixture never fails to entertain the audience. Though we may likely see much less touchline drama than yesteryears, players are certain to compensate for it, given the phenomenal rise in quality of Stoke City football.

Olivier Giroud versus centre-backs Ryan Shawcross and Philipp Wollscheid will beyond any doubt be the match-deciding skirmish, but SoccerSouls takes you through three key battles that would also decide the outcome of this game in theory.

1.David and Goliath

Hector Bellerin goes up against 6ft 4in tall Marko Arnautovic, whom he pocketed in the Emirates Stadium fixture. The Stoke City left-winger has since notched six goals and five assists, including a brace against title-contenders Manchester City, thereby establishing himself as an intimidating presence in the Potters lineup.

Much to the delight of the Arsenal right-back, who stands only 5ft 10in tall, the gigantic Austrian has never managed to score a header goal, though his aerial cannot be undermined and Per Mertesacker should step up to nullify any potential threat. How the Spanish fullback fares against an in-form Marko Arnautovic will be exciting to watch.

2.Aaron Ramsey and Glenn Whelan

Though the Welshman often leaves his midfield partner without much support during the defensive phases, he continues to make overlapping runs that cause havoc in the defensive setup of the opponents and that should be of major concern to Mark Hughes, who aims at avoiding only his third home defeat to Arsene Wenger.

Glenn Whelan, 32, has been solid this season, averaging match-ratings of seven in the Premier League and his side boasting the fourth best top-flight defense is partly down to his shield in front of their back four. With Mesut Ozil already causing him all sorts of trouble, Aaron Ramsey will likely make it a long night for the Irish defensive midfielder.

3. Joel Campbell and Erik Pieters

The Arsenal winger has only recently gone through a Francis Coquelin-esque rise in prominence and by the looks of things, Theo Walcott will likely be sacrificed for him when Alexis Sanchez returns from injury. After an impressive midweek display, he will feature on the right wing, locking horns with Erik Pieters, who has been as consistent as Nacho Monreal this season.

The Dutch international has been a no nonsense leftback, having not committed even a single defensive error (as per Squawka) in the league this season and how he fares against the 23-year-old winger could have a massive impact in the game. Given the eager beaver of Joel Campbell, Erik Pieters will not have a moment to blink at Britannia Stadium later today.