The last three games for Arsenal are turning out to be huge. It starts with Stoke on Saturday in what is usually a difficult game for the Gunners. It is well known that the Britannia is a tough stadium to go to and I believe this will be a big test for Arsenal who have only recorded two wins in their last five premier league games.
Battle for Third
The Gunners currently hold third place by three points from an in form Newcastle, who have a game in hand. The third place spot has become much more important this week due to Chelsea’s heroics at the Nou Camp in midweek. It may only be the top three that get champions league football this year, and therefore Arsenal must press on and get maximum points from the last three fixtures.
Stoke, on the other hand, currently have nothing to play for, they sit in fourteenth place, no chance of Europe or relegation. It has been a relatively disappointing season for the Stoke team despite a good run in the Europa League. They have recently recorded draws against Tottenham and Man City though so this is no walkover for Arsenal.
Aerial threat
The main problem for Arsenal will be the threat from set pieces which is so often Arsenal’s downfall. Crouch has already bagged 13 goals this season, and Jerome has 7, both strikers who could cause mayhem in the Arsenal defence. With tall, commanding centre backs such as Huth, Shawcross and Upson, I could see Arsenal being tested by corners and long throws from either Shotton or Delap.
The Arsenal defence will need to play strongly and not get bullied like Zamora did to us at QPR. Vermaelen and the boys at the back have conceded some sloppy goals recently and need to tighten up for this match, this is a key factor in keeping Stoke out and keeping the home fans quiet.
Missing Link
Arsenal will greatly miss Mikel Arteta in the middle of the park. Arteta is so good at keeping the ball in tricky situations and the lack of the playmaker in the middle against Chelsea was clear to see. With a pass accuracy of %90.8 there is no doubt we miss him linking the play all over the park.
Ramsey has also been under some pressure recently from the fans, I admit, he was sloppy in some parts against Chelsea and was guilty of losing the ball too often, but he is still only 21 and is lacking the experience yet. The fans need to get behind him and show him encouragement and not heap more pressure on his young shoulders.
Morale is key
Robin Van Persie has had a good week, winning the PFA player of the year award and the FWA Footballer of the Year. RVP, who has been short of goals recently by his standards, only getting 1 goal in the last 7 premier league games, may need this boost to get him back on the scoring front. Arsenal need their main man to add more to his 27 premier league goals in the last three games and get them the champions league spot they need, whether it may be 3rd or 4th.
Expected Line-ups
Arsenal- Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Djorou, Gibbs, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky, Walcott, Benayoun, RVP.
Stoke-Begovic, Pennant, Huth, Shawcross, Shotton, Whelan, Wilson, Etherington, Palacios, Crouch, Walters
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