Stoke City v Arsenal – FA Cup preview
New Premier League leaders Arsenal haven't exactly had an easy draw in this season's FA Cup. The Gunners overcame a gritty West Ham in round three and face an equally tough away trip in round four to Stoke City .
It is anyone's guess what kind of line-up Arsene Wenger will decide to use, but it's safe to assume that with a packed schedule coming up including games against Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and a Champions League match against Porto, it will be much changed from the side that beat Bolton on Wednesday evening. Expect a role for the likes of Jack Wilshere and Carlos Vela . But the most intriguing question will be whether Wenger hands 35 year-old Sol Campbell a second Arsenal debut or not. Centre-back pairing William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen haven't had much respite and with want-away Philippe Senderos reluctant to play, Campbell might get his chance.
Stoke will come into the tie on the back of a good point at home to Liverpool. Tony Pulis has been linked with several players during the January transfer window and unsurprisingly many of them have been strikers. Hitting the back of the net has been a problem for Stoke this season, illustrated by a paltry four goals on the road so far.
However, what they lack in fire power, they make up for with discipline and determination. Crucial to their comfortable Premier League position has been strong defensive displays from the likes of Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross . They will have to be at their very best to stop Arsenal's eye-catching brand of attacking football.
Former Wimbledon and Port Vale player Robbie Earle summed up the need for resilience from Tony Pulis' side, saying, "If there’s one game where Stoke need to stick to basics, it’s Arsenal at home.
You could argue that Stoke should be more adventurous because probably their only chance of getting through is to win at the Britannia.
But opening up the game won’t improve their chances because the more time and space Arsenal have to play, the more likely they are to be avengeing their 2-1 defeat at the Brit last season."
The Potters will see the FA Cup as a realistic shout of some silverware. If they can overcome an Arsenal side on Sunday which can play anyone off the pitch on their day, they will fancy their chances of a truly successful cup run.