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TEAM NEWS
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering selecting Alexis Sanchez for the first time since he suffered a hamstring injury in November.
New signing Mohamed Elneny is eligible but is unlikely to start.
Stoke's Xherdan Shaqiri, who missed the win over Norwich, is again sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Geoff Cameron is out with an ankle problem.
Marko Arnautovic is fit, while Phil Bardsley and Stephen Ireland may feature after recovering from injuries.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Guy Mowbray: "This could be the game that shows whether or not Arsenal have the mettle to be champions.
"It was questioned again after losing two points late on at Liverpool, but I thought the way the Gunners came from behind twice showed steel, and Arsene Wenger's upbeat demeanour post-match told a story.
"His team have had a perceivable phobia about trips to the Britannia since the Tony Pulis days (and those 'rugby team' comments!), and never was it more evident than in the first half of last season's visit.
"If in-form Stoke start like that again, they could sign off from home for a four-game road-trip with a seventh win in 11 Premier League games.
"Top four? Not such a potty thought."
Twitter: @Guymowbray
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Stoke manager Mark Hughes: "You look at Arsenal's form and see what they have been able to produce, and you have to say they are the most consistent.
"They know it is a difficult game for them, too, because we have enjoyed good results on home turf.
"When Arsenal come to town, the crowd get right behind us, and the circumstances of the game will always excite them. We are looking forward to the test."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We have had difficulties at Stoke. They have a good record against us in recent years, and I must say as well they have overall a good record against Man United, City, the big teams.
"They have done very well. They have moved forward as well because they have improved their creative potential with players like Arnautovic, Afellay, Shaqiri, Bojan - they can create and play.
"It is a good challenge for us as well because they have to maintain their record and we can show we have taken a big step forward and can beat them."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
These two back-to-back away games will give a real indication of the strength of the Gunners' title bid.
I think they are going to win and, if they do get four points from trips to Liverpool and Stoke in the space of four days, then I think a lot of the cynical old pros out there will be looking at them and thinking they are definitely favourites to win this league.
Prediction: 0-2
FROM BBC
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering selecting Alexis Sanchez for the first time since he suffered a hamstring injury in November.
New signing Mohamed Elneny is eligible but is unlikely to start.
Stoke's Xherdan Shaqiri, who missed the win over Norwich, is again sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Geoff Cameron is out with an ankle problem.
Marko Arnautovic is fit, while Phil Bardsley and Stephen Ireland may feature after recovering from injuries.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Guy Mowbray: "This could be the game that shows whether or not Arsenal have the mettle to be champions.
"It was questioned again after losing two points late on at Liverpool, but I thought the way the Gunners came from behind twice showed steel, and Arsene Wenger's upbeat demeanour post-match told a story.
"His team have had a perceivable phobia about trips to the Britannia since the Tony Pulis days (and those 'rugby team' comments!), and never was it more evident than in the first half of last season's visit.
"If in-form Stoke start like that again, they could sign off from home for a four-game road-trip with a seventh win in 11 Premier League games.
"Top four? Not such a potty thought."
Twitter: @Guymowbray
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Stoke manager Mark Hughes: "You look at Arsenal's form and see what they have been able to produce, and you have to say they are the most consistent.
"They know it is a difficult game for them, too, because we have enjoyed good results on home turf.
"When Arsenal come to town, the crowd get right behind us, and the circumstances of the game will always excite them. We are looking forward to the test."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We have had difficulties at Stoke. They have a good record against us in recent years, and I must say as well they have overall a good record against Man United, City, the big teams.
"They have done very well. They have moved forward as well because they have improved their creative potential with players like Arnautovic, Afellay, Shaqiri, Bojan - they can create and play.
"It is a good challenge for us as well because they have to maintain their record and we can show we have taken a big step forward and can beat them."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
These two back-to-back away games will give a real indication of the strength of the Gunners' title bid.
I think they are going to win and, if they do get four points from trips to Liverpool and Stoke in the space of four days, then I think a lot of the cynical old pros out there will be looking at them and thinking they are definitely favourites to win this league.
Prediction: 0-2
FROM BBC
