Arsenal players injured: seven. Stoke City players injured: none.
Excuses are not what Arsenal fans want to hear but the truth is, there are plenty. This is a demoralising time to support the Arse but it is not a coincidence that our strong run of form came to an end following an avalanche of injuries.
Wenger will be criticised for not bolstering his front line further but there are only so many players you can have at one club. We have had to cope with at least five absences from the squad throughout the season, it is an abnormal situation and one that Wenger will be desperate to resolve. Perhaps he is paying the price for blooding such a large number of young players to early in their careers.
Bendtner, Clichy, Diaby, Gibbs, van Persie, Djourou and Walcott miss this afternoon’s match with injuries of varying severity and Alexandre Song has picked up five yellow cards in the season so will join them on the sidelines. Five of those players are physically well prepared to challenge Stoke and will be missed but at the Grove we should be capable of dictating the style of play to our opponents and negating their strengths.
Today marks the 100th game at the Emirates and we have only lost six times at our new home. Considering we are without a trophy in that time, it is an impressive record and we have every right to be confident of a win over Stoke City despite our weak performances of late.
Without van Persie the onus is suddenly on Fabregas to continue his goal scoring form but he has not proven that he can carry a team. The Spaniard is a remarkable player when those around him are on form but he can disappear when the team needs him most so hopefully our front trio, possibly of Arshavin, Nasri and Vela, will provide the captain with the options his passing game needs in order to succeed. If not, Stoke will be ready to pounce on any signs of weakness.
Prediction: 3-1 to the Arse