With the Champions League first rounds all done and dusted, the focus goes back to the English Premier League.

Arsenal will be making the trip down to Stoke which will not be an easy game as they have faced many difficult times at the Britannia Stadium in the past.

The Arsenal squad however is said to be without Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs as both players seem to be a doubt, therefore leaving the left back position open to returning player and club captain Thomas Vermaelen.

Wenger said:

"If needed, Vermaelen can do it [cover in the left back position].

"My opportunity is to put the best team out to win the game

"It's not about individuals, it's about the team.

"If needed Thomas can pay there. It's not his preferred position and he's been out a long time but we shall see."

One would think after the club captain was mentioned in the squad along with Mesut Ozil that both players will be called upon to start the game.

Wenger added:

'Ozil had a difficult game and sometimes it's good to refresh when you are under pressure.

'Stoke is a big game for us. We have to focus on our results because we are in a period where we have to push on.

'We had some bad memories from Stoke but we had some good memories as well, it's just down to our performance on the day.'

With no mention on Laurent Koscielny, this leads us to believe that the player is fit and ready to play alongside Per Mertesacker.

Three points are a must for Arsenal if they are to have any hope in pushing for the title this season.

"We have some bad memories, as well we have some good memories. It is a stadium where, first of all, the pitch is narrow and a bit more difficult to play," said Gunners boss.

"As well it is more open to the wind, but at the end of the day we have shown recently it is down to the performance on the day. What is only important is how you play on Saturday afternoon."

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