Arsenal host Stoke City as we return from international break. Arsene Wenger side will be looking to build up on where they left just before the players left for international duty.
A Top four finish looks tough task for the Gunners, but looking at their history of performances in the final half of the season – they still have a considerable chance.
Both the teams boast talented creators in Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Xherdran Shaqiri. Both of them have proved themselves at the highest level and it will be interesting to see ‘who will cause more trouble’ to opposition’s defence.
ARSENALCORE will today look into this clash of the fixture.
HENRIKH MKHITARYAN
It didn’t took long for Mkhitaryan to indulge himself into this Arsenal squad. And since his arrival, he has been one of the core elements of Arsene Wenger’s team.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored his first goal for Arsenal against AC Milan at San Siro and his first Premier League goal for the North-London side came in space of three days against Watford at Emirates.
The Former Borussia Dortmund play-maker would be looking to extend his superb record in front of goal. Other than scoring – Mkhitaryan has also provided six assists since becoming a Gunner in January.
Mkhitaryan’s on field presence will be vital to break against Stoke City’s physical defence.
XHERDRAN SHAQIRI
Shaqiri is an unpredictable lad who can play with his both feet. If Stoke City were to breach Arsenal’s defence – it is vital to have someone as clinical as Shaqiri in their ranks.
Xherdran Shaqiri has been one of the best performers for Stoke City this season with 7 goals and 6 assists to his name in the Premiership.
Stoke City lay in the relegation zone and its vital for them to take three points against Arsenal. Every game passing by – the concreteness of Stoke’s relegation increases.
The fixture will be a tough one for Stoke, coping up with star studded attacking line-up containing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkitaryan. Its said that “attack is the best defence” and Xherdran Shaqiri will be the core element determining Stoke’s offensive performance.
