Stoke City V Sunderland

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 4 February 2012 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Brittania Stadium

Preview

Sunderland’s miraculous revival under Martin O’Neill continued on Wednesday with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Norwich City at the Stadium of Light. Now the Northern Irishman takes his purring Black Cats to the Brittania Stadium to face a Stoke side whose recent form has been indifferent to say the least, with only one win from their previous seven league outings, but do, however, boast a flawless record in this fixture.

In the space of two months, Martin O’Neill has transformed Sunderland’s fortunes dramatically. He inherited a team who were hovering precariously above the relegation zone, with only two wins to their name after fourteen league games. Now he finds himself at the helm of a club who are eighth in the league, having already reached the 30-point milestone which usually ensures survival, and still alive in the FA Cup – albeit having to face local rivals Middlesbrough in a fourth-round replay.

Wednesday’s rout of Norwich on Wearside was Sunderland’s latest impressive display, their sixth win in nine Premier League games under O’Neill. Stephane Sessegnon and Fraizer Campbell with the goals, with both players enjoying purple patches at present – the former has three in his last four league starts while Campbell has two in two games, this after a 17-month lay-off because of injury.

Martin O’Neill will demand more of the same from his in-form attacking duo, as Sunderland look to torment a Stoke side suffering from a lack of form and devoid of any momentum – as they did at the Stadium of Light back in September, when winning 4-0. Of course, Stoke could place some of the blame for that horrendous showing on the fact they were involved in European football the preceding Thursday. They’ll meet on more favourable terms this time.

Having said that, a 2-0 loss at Manchester United in midweek was the Potters’ second in quick succession in the league, following a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to West Brom – though there was a 2-0 triumph at Derby in the fourth-round of the FA Cup sandwiched in between. Furthermore, not since Tottenham were overhauled on 11 December have Stoke been victorious in a Premier League fixture at the Brittania Stadium, going their last three home games without a win.

However, Stoke do have an impressive record when it comes to hosting this fixture. Last season they prevailed 3-2 thanks to Robert Huth’s stoppage-time winner, their third consecutive victory at home to Sunderland in the Premier League, after 1-0 triumphs in 2008/09 and 2009/10. Should they make it four in a row then Stoke would climb above Sunderland into 8TH, with the pair sat side-by-side in the table, level on 30-points.

Match Pointers

Head-to-Head

Last League Meeting: Sunderland 4-0 Stoke; 18 September, 2011. Goals from Titus Bramble, Jonathan Woodgate (OG), Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson sealed a comfortable 4-0 success for Sunderland, with Stoke feeling the affects of their Europa League commitments on the Thursday.

- Stoke are targeting their fifth consecutive league victory at home to Sunderland, whose last away win over the Potters dates back to November 2004.

- Sunderland took the lead twice on their most recent venture to the Brittania (5 February, 2011), but it was Robert Huth who popped up with a late winner for Stoke in the dying embers of the game as the hosts prevailed 3-2.

Stoke

- Stoke (League Position: 9TH; Form: DWDLL) have won only one of their previous seven Premier League matches (W1 D3 L3), during which they’ve failed to even score on four occasions.

- The Potters have failed to win any of their last three league matches at home (D2 L1), losing 2-1 to West Brom last time out at the Brittania.

- All five of Jonathan Walter’s Premier League goals this season were netted at the Brittania Stadium, three of which coming from the penalty spot.

Sunderland

- Only Manchester United (18) have taken more points from their last eight Premier League games than Sunderland (16), who have lost just one of their previous seven (W5 D1 L1).

- Sunderland have shipped just seven goals in their last nine league games, keeping clean sheets in each of their last two, at home to Norwich (3-0) and Swansea (2-0).

- The Black Cats have gone nine Premier League away games without drawing.

- Playmaker Stephane Sessegnon has two goals in his last two Premier League starts; three in his last four.

Betting

Prediction: Draw @ 12/5 (SkyBet)

On current form, Sunderland are incredibly enticing at 13/5 to record their third straight league win. However, the Brittania Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for those Black Cats, with Stoke boasting a 100% record in the Premier League with three wins out of three on their own patch. A fourth would seem unlikely though, seeing as the Potters have won only once in their last seven league outings – a 2-1 win at third from bottom Blackburn – losing their most recent match at the Brittania 2-1 to West Brom.

Rarely do Stoke lose successive home games, nor can I recall the last time Sunderland went and won three on the spin in the league. I’m not sure either will occur on Saturday. Losing Wes Brown for two months is a huge blow for Sunderland, as his experience and presence in defence would have benefited them greatly in combating Stoke’s aerial and physical prowess, but they have two forwards in fantastic form and I reckon they’ll ground out a result here.

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) @ 9/1 (StanJames)

I was going to tip Stephane Sessegnon to continue his rich vein of scoring form, as he’s a player at the top of his game right now. However, I don’t think there will be too many goals – Stoke aren’t prolific wherever they play their football, while Sunderland, despite scoring three at QPR and four at Wigan recently, have only conjured 13 away goals all season.

Match Odds

Stoke – 5/4 (Boylesports)

Draw – 12/5 (SkyBet)

Sunderland – 13/5 (BetVictor)

Liverpool V Stoke

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 14 January 2012 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Anfield

Preview

Stoke fans don’t have much to complain about these days; this is their fourth successive season in the Premier League, last May they were at Wembley competing for the FA Cup with Manchester City, while next month will see them host Spanish hot shots Valencia in the Last-32 of the UEFA Europa League. Yet, if there was one small complaint it would be their lack of a famous victory at one of the country’s most revered venues.

The chance to seize the moment and record a win that would forever go down in club folklore will present itself on Saturday, when Stoke pay a buoyant Liverpool a visit at one of the most iconic grounds in English football – Anfield. History will tell you they have no chance, with no Potters victory on Merseyside for almost half a century, but Stoke have been a problematic opponent for Liverpool in recent times, as recently as September in actual fact, when Tony Pulis’ men recorded a 1-0 win at The Brittania.

Away from their fortress however, Stoke remain largely unreliable. It was their Achilles heel last season, playing away from home, winning just three of nineteen away matches all term, but they’ve shown vast improvement of late; their 2-1 victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park on 2 January was their third away win in four, following up triumphs at Everton (0-1) and Wolves (1-2).

Still, Liverpool are a class above from those aforementioned teams who were recently put to the sword at home by Stoke, as they demonstrated in midweek by becoming only the second side in fourteen months to beat Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Reds are also one of only two teams in the Premier League still to lose a home league game this season, although four wins and six draws isn’t the sort of form one of Liverpool’s calibre can be boastful of.

Liverpool’s inability to put inferior opposition to the sword at home has without question been their Achilles heel. The likes of Blackburn, Norwich, Sunderland and Swansea have all left Anfield unscathed this season, making Kenny Dalglish’s team an automatic no-go at odds-on for most punters. Star man Luis Suarez is also still suspended, which is another huge negative considering the Reds have struggled in front of goal even with him in the team, although the Uruguayan’s loss can be compensated by the return of talismanic skipper Steven Gerrard.

He’s only been back five minutes but already Steven Gerrard’s contribution can be felt; it was his quality from the bench which helped Liverpool see off Newcastle in their last league game at Anfield, which they won 3-1, and it was his confidently-struck penalty against Man City in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final which handed his team the initiative heading back to Anfield for the second leg in two week’s time.

So, inspired by their performance during the week against the current Barclay’s Premier League leaders, you would like to think Liverpool will be too strong for Stoke. But then that should have been the case on so many occasions. Plus Stoke have tasted recent success on Merseyside, beating Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park in December.

Match Pointers

- On the three occasions these two teams have clashed at Anfield in the Premier League, Liverpool have yet to lose, winning the last two, while Stoke have yet to score.

- In all competitions, Stoke have failed to record a win over Liverpool on Merseyside since 1959, when they won what must have been a 4-3 thriller in the Old Division Two – the Reds are unbeaten in 31 Anfield meetings since then, winning 28.

- Liverpool remain unbeaten on home soil this season with four wins and six draws, recording a 3-1 win over Newcastle in their last match at Anfield.

- The Reds saw their five-game streak without losing in the league diminish after losing 3-0 at Manchester City last time out – only their fourth reverse of the term (W9 D7 L4).

- Liverpool have scored one goal or fewer in seven of their ten home league games, although they have conceded a somewhat miserly 8 goals.

- Stoke have won five and lost only one of their previous eight Premier League matches (W5 D2 L1).

- The Potters are also targeting their fourth away win in five, having recorded wins at Everton (0-1), Wolves (1-2) and Blackburn (1-2) since the beginning of December.

- Away from home, though, Stoke have only mustered 8 goals, failing to score in four of ten away matches.

Betting

Is it wise to be backing Liverpool at 4/9 (General odds)? Perhaps not, certainly not in a singular bet. They’ve come unstuck against some really average teams at home; Blackburn and Norwich to name but a few, while we should also factor in just how much energy was exerted in their Carling Cup victory over Manchester City on Wednesday, in which they spent virtually the entire second half defending in their own half, chasing the ball.

Stoke, meanwhile, well they arrive in confident mood. They are safely through to the fourth round of the FA Cup after coming from behind to beat Gillingham, while it’s now three wins from four away from home after beating Blackburn 2-1 in their most recent league assignment. Potters boss Tony Pulis also has no fresh injuries or suspension so will pick from a full-strength squad.

Despite a turbulent couple of weeks, there is a buzz around Anfield. The return of their talisman, Steven Gerrard, has certainly lifted the mood on Merseyside, especially in the absence of fan-favourite Luis Suarez. They’ll also take an enormous amount of confidence and belief from their performance against Man City in midweek, which should set them up nicely as they bid to win for only the fifth time at Anfield in the league this season.

So, it’s a Liverpool win for me. They’re unlikely to blow Stoke away, mind. A 2-0 win is 2/1 with WilliamHill, while Steven Gerrard to open the scoring is 5/1 with PaddyPower. Both boast some form of appeal in a match the Reds have to be winning if they’re to keep in touch with the top-four.

Match Outcome: Liverpool to WIN – 4/9 Ladbrokes

Value Bet: 2-0 Liverpool (Correct Score) – 6/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Liverpool – 4/9 Ladbrokes

Draw – 7/2 Boylesports

Stoke – 15/2 PaddyPower

Stoke V Tottenham

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 11 December 2011 – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Brittania Stadium

Preview

Tottenham put their eleven-match unbeaten league run well and truly on the line when they visit the toughest of places in the Premier League on Sunday – Stoke’s Brittania Stadium. Chelsea and Manchester United could only muster draws there, while Liverpool slumped to a 1-0 defeat. How will Harry Redknapp’s imperious charges fare?

Judging by their scintillating run of form, having won ten and lost none of their previous eleven league matches, and with their record away to Stoke very encouraging indeed, winning on each of their previous two visits, you’d like to think Spurs will fare better than most at ‘Fortress Brittania’.

Then again, Stoke are now flying themselves. Their 1-0 win over Everton last weekend was their second in quick succession, to go with their comprehensive 3-1 win over Blackburn seven days earlier. As a result, the Potters have climbed back into the top half of the table.

An extremely difficult contest to call, not that the bookies see it the same way. A home win is as big as 3/1 with Totesport, which looks massive, with in-form Spurs a best priced 23/20 with WilliamHill to set a new club record by winning their fourth away match in a row in the Premier League. There has yet to be a draw between the two in the Premier League era, so feel free to take odds of 5/2 on that first.

Stoke City

League Position: 8th

League Form: LLLWW

Six points from their last two league games and Stoke are reacquainting themselves with the top half of the table, after back-to-back wins at home to Blackburn (3-1) and away at Everton (2-1). Now they face the team of the moment, a Tottenham side who’ve not lost a league game since August. So could Sunday bring about the end of their mini revival, having previously lost four on the spin before returning to winning ways?

So Stoke have their swagger back. Just as well, as Spurs will take some beating. The Brittania is a definite advantage though, where the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have come a cropper this season, in one form of another. Though shock defeats to Newcastle (1-3) and QPR (2-3) perhaps suggest fortress Brittania isn’t all it’s cracked up to be any more.

A trip to Turkey to face Besiktas in their final Europa League group game awaits the Potters on Wednesday, but with progress assured Tony Pulis can afford to pick as he pleases on Sunday, and name a weakened side during the week. This means Andy Wilkinson, Rory Delap and Jermaine Pennant could all be risked despite the trio carrying knocks. Peter Crouch will spearhead the attack against his former club, alongside Jonathan Walters who has netted all four of his Premier League goals this season at home.

Goalkeeper Thomas Sorenson was stretched off at Goodison last week with concussion, but the Danish international is available and should retain his place in goal.

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 3rd

League Form: WWWWW

A trip to Stoke is a daunting prospect for most. Not for Tottenham, who on Sunday go seeking a third consecutive league win at the Brittania Stadium. Should they do so, Harry Redknapp will spend Sunday evening salivating over his side’s seventh straight Premiership win. It will also be a new club record for successive away wins (4). So then, is it really any wonder the mighty Spurs are now widely considered genuine title contenders?

Their start to the season has been breathtaking, as has their football at times, but on Sunday they’ll need to find a way to win ugly at Stoke if they’re to maintain their winning run. Last week’s comfortable home win against Bolton, with the final scoreline of 3-0 by no means a fair reflection on a game dominated from start to finish by the North Londoners, extended their winning streak to seven matches. A truly remarkable run for a club not renowned for their consistency.

It does bode well that they have won on each of their previous two visits to Stoke in the league, both 2-1 strangely enough, and at similarly challenging arenas this season as well. Wins at Blackburn, Fulham, West Brom, Wigan and Wolves may not look much but in years gone by, Spurs would not be winning those types of fixtures, certainly not one after the other. The fact Tottenham are no longer intimidated on their travels is actually a frightening thought, as back at White Hart Lane they are a real force to be reckoned with.

A hectic festive schedule will test some of the Spurs’ resolve, not that their fixtures are gruelling in any which way. Nevertheless, the number of games facing teams over Christmas and through to the New Year means managers may hold some of their key players back. Considering the physical nature of Stoke, Redknapp may decide to leave the fragile likes Ledley King, Rafael Van der Vaart and Jermaine Defoe out of Sunday’s starting line-up, with the trio rated doubtful because of various knocks and niggles. Gareth Bale is also carrying a knock, but you can’t leave the Welshman out of the side, not on current form.

Match Pointers

- Tottenham are on a three-match winning streak versus Stoke in the league, winning four of their six Premier League encounters overall (W4 D0 L2) including the last two staged at the Brittania Stadium.

- It has been a little over three months since Tottenham last recorded a loss in the Premier League, winning ten of their last eleven in an unbeaten sequence which has seen them climb to third in the table.

- Spurs are targeting their fourth away league win in a row on Sunday, at a ground where they’ve been victorious at in each of the previous two seasons.

- The North Londoners are also targeting a seventh straight Premier League victory.

- After losing four on the trot, Stoke are now searching for their third consecutive league win following wins over Blackburn (3-1) and at Everton (0-1).

- Jonathan Walters has scored all four of his Premier League goals this season at the Brittania.

Betting

On current form, it is almost impossible to oppose Tottenham. However, Stoke aren’t no ordinary side, particularly when they have the bit between their teeth, which they do after recording back-to-back league wins. With the Brittania rocking, the hosts will be well up for this, while the fact Spurs are now a genuine scalp for everyone, because of their eleven-game unbeaten run, is motivation on a plate for Tony Pulis’ rejuvenated charges.

Stoke are a handful for any side and with Ledley King a doubt, set-pieces could be a real problem for the visitors. On the other hand, containing Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon on either flank won’t be easy for the Potters. I suspect Scott Parker and Luka Modric will try to monopolise possession, something they’ve done to devastating effect so far this season, but Stoke are as combative and industrious as they come and I really do fancy them to earn a hard-fought point in this fixture. Neither manager would begrudge a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Draw – 5/2 Bet365

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) – 11/1 StanJames

Match Odds

Stoke – 3/1 Totesport

Draw – 5/2 Bet365

Tottenham – 23/20 WilliamHill

Stoke City V Blackburn Rovers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 26 November 2011 – 12:45 GMT

Venue: Brittania Stadium

Preview

Blackburn Rovers have been in free-fall ever since the season began, but to see Stoke suffering has come as a major surprise. What it does do, though, is make for an intriguing contest when the two sides rendezvous for the seventh time in the Premier League on Saturday – and it is Stoke seeking to maintain the upper hand, having won four of the previous six encounters, including the three staged at the Brittania.

It wasn’t that long ago Stoke could do no wrong. In fact, there was a stage when folk were talking up their chances of a possible fifth or sixth place finish in the league. But it is no coincidence that their slide in form has coincided with their first ever participation in the UEFA Europa League – a competition many were tipping them to qualify for again next season with a possible fifth of sixth place league finish, but one that does have its fair share of drawbacks.

There is no doubt plying in Europe takes its toll on any squad. Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson would definitely concur. It’s one of the reasons why their clubs, Arsenal and Man Utd, recruit in such large numbers, to handle the large quantity of games each season. Europe caught Stoke by surprise, a pleasant one at that, and that meant their fairly average-sized squad was always going to be susceptible to fatigue over the course of the season – though few would have predicted all those air miles would have such an adverse affect so quickly.

Long, arduous trips to the Ukraine and Israel during the months of September and November have clearly taken their toll, as their league form in between has been atrocious. They’ve only won once in eight Premier League matches, six of those being defeats, while it speaks volumes that their solitary success came straight off the back of an international break, at home to Fulham on 15 October.

It would appear the Potters look forward to internationals more than any other side, as it’s about the only time they get a breather. Hoping to capitalise on Stoke’s gruelling schedule is Blackburn manager Steve Kean, whose side are floundering in the relegation zone and whose job hangs by the slimmest of proverbial threads.

Although last week’s 3-3 draw at Wigan epitomised Blackburn’s hunger and spirit, having fought back to earn a hard-fought point with a last-gasp winner that came courtesy of a Yakubu penalty that was earned by none other than goalkeeper Paul Robinson, it doesn’t change their complexion much. If anything, their situation has only become more dire.

Blackburn’s failure to win in the league for the seventh match running, since their unforgettable 4-3 success over Arsenal at Ewood Park on 17 September, leaves them with a four-point deficit they must bridge if they’re to claw themselves back onto safe footing. In more simpler terms, Rovers go into the weekend four points off safety. So there is no chance whatsoever of Rovers’ miserable spell in the bottom three coming to an end any time soon.

There is, however, some good news for supporters. Your team are playing well, even if they aren’t securing the right results to back up their endeavours on the pitch, while the return of several key players will be a timely boost ahead of Saturday’s clash with out of sorts Stoke, whose recent form is far more woeful than theirs. Christopher Samba, Ryan Nelsen and Martin Olsson could all feature at the Brittania after missing last week’s draw at Wigan through injury, although David Dunn is suspended.

Furthermore, Rovers have found more fortune on their travels of late than at home – which isn’t a surprise when you consider every home game at Ewood Park is like a circus these days, with fans protesting before, during and after every home match. Steve Kean’s side are unbeaten in three on the road, all draws mind, scoring three in both their previous two. The latter does bode well seeing as Stoke have shipped that very same number of goals in their previous two home Premier League games, both in defeat, too.

Match Pointers

- Four of their six Premier League meetings were won by Stoke, whom have triumphed in each of the previous three, home and away. The Potters have also won all three encounters at the Brittania, without conceding either.

- Stoke City are in free-fall and are plummeting down the Premier League table at a rate of knots, to the point where they now reside in 14th after a run of four successive defeats.

- Tony Pulis’ side have won only once in eight league matches (W1 D1 L6), losing their previous two home fixtures to Newcastle (1-3) and QPR (2-3).

- In their last four league games (all defeats), Stoke have shipped a combined total of 14 goals but managed only four themselves.

- All four of Jonathan Walters’ Premier League goals this season were scored at the Brittania Stadium, where he has netted in four of Stoke’s last five league matches.

- Blackburn begin the weekend four points adrift of safety and only one above rock-bottom Wigan Athletic, with Rovers still searching for their first league win since their 4-3 defeat of Arsenal at home on 17 September (their only win of the season thus far).

- Since beating Arsenal at Ewood Park, Blackburn have taken just three points from their subsequent seven league fixtures (W0 D3 L4).

- Rovers are unbeaten on their travels in three, having drawn away at Norwich (3-3), QPR (1-1) and more recently Wigan (3-3).

- Striker Yakubu and Canadian David Hoilett have netted in both of Blackburn’s previous two away matches, with the latter’s three league goals this term all coming away from home.

Betting

Even though they have had a tendency in the past to embark on miserable stretches of form, Stoke’s recent dismal spell has come as a shock. Just one win in eight in the league is disastrous form, relegation form even, and at the current rate they are accumulating points that is precisely where they are heading at this moment in time. Fittingly, Stoke face a team this weekend who are actually in the relegation zone, in third from bottom and without a win in seven Blackburn.

Normally Blackburn aren’t the sort of side I’d put much faith in at the Brittania, a venue where even the big teams tend to crumble. But Blackburn have shown plenty of heart in recent games, especially on the road, and with manager Steve Kean set to be boosted by the return of several influential figures, I sense a first win since the middle of September could be just around the corner.

To be fair, Stoke rarely come up short in the effort department. Tony Pulis’ charges invariably give 110%, particularly at home. But it is now two home defeats on the spin, after losing heavily to Newcastle and QPR, and after shipping three goals in each, it is impossible not to have reservations over the Potters in a match they should win but aren’t in the slightest bit alluring in odds to do so.

Blackburn for me, then, whose courage could secure them three colossal points at fortress Brittania.

Match Outcome: Blackburn Rovers to WIN – 4/1 Bet365

Value Bet: Draw/Blackburn (HT/FT) – 10/1 888Sport

Match Odds

Stoke City – 5/6 Coral

Draw – 11/4 WilliamHill

Blackburn Rovers – 4/1 Bet365

Norwich City V Stoke City

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 21st August – 13:30 GMT

Venue: Carrow Road

Preview - One of the more interesting match-ups this weekend will be at Carrow Road of all places as Norwich City, the Championship’s most prolific side in 2010/2011, entertain a rugged but perhaps fatigued Stoke side who travelled horrendously bad last season. You’ll need to weigh up your fair share of pros and cons if you want to stand any chance of calling this one successfully!

So where’s your money going? Norwich have been ultra consistent over the past twelve months, but against teams of Championship calibre. Can we really rely on their statistics from last season then? If we can, the Canaries look sure-fire winners on paper. Paul Lambert’s men lost just four matches at Carrow Road all season and are unbeaten there in the league since December, an incredible run which stretches back nine months and spans twelve games (9 wins and 3 draws). They weren’t exactly shy in front of goal either, outscoring everyone in the second tier.

The Potters are quite possibly the Premier League’s equivalent of Jekyll & Hyde. At home they are incredibly consistent, arguably the most awkward and intimidating opponent you’re ever likely to come across; extremely well-organised, industrious all over the pitch, but also confident going forward. Away from home however they are the complete opposite, having not won on their travels since Boxing Day – two draws and eight away defeats ago. Only Bolton (11) registered fewer points on the road last season, (12) although no one could do worse than Stoke’s paltry sum of away goals (15).

Stoke fans will no doubt cite their vast levels of experience now at this level, having spent the last three terms tackling the finest teams in the country. All that really equates to is better players, but those superior players will be handicapped at the weekend by fatigue, as just three days prior to this game Stoke were in Switzerland contesting a Europa League qualifier in which Tony Pulis named his strongest eleven. In contrast, Norwich have spent the week reflecting on what was a decent point up at Wigan, and their fresher set of legs, and minds, could be the decisive difference in a match which is incredibly tough to call.

Betting - Just three days after their Europa League exertions, Stoke will set out to end their nine-month spell without an away win in the Premier League – though it’ll be anything but straight-forward at Carrow Road against a Norwich side whose last home defeat in the league was way back in December, which coincidentally was when Stoke were last victorious on their travels.

Norwich are the favourites, though only just. If I’m truly honest, I cannot split them. The home side play some lovely attacking football, more so when they’re at home, but Stoke should arrive in buoyant mood following their draw with Chelsea in the league on the opening weekend and a 1-0 win in Europe, interestingly away from home, over Swiss side FC Thun.

Match Odds:

Norwich – 13/8 BetFred
Draw – 23/10 Bet365
Stoke – 19/10 SkyBet

Verdict - Norwich should be a lot more forthcoming with their attacks at Carrow Road than they were at the DW Stadium on the opening weekend, but Stoke will be full of confidence after two very tidy results; drawing 0-0 with Chelsea on the opening weekend before beating FC Thun of Switzerland, away from home, in their pivotal Europa League qualifier.

Despite their midweek exertions in Europe, as well as their appalling record on the road in 2011 of eight defeats and two draws, I’m banking on the Potters showing the same industry that helped them nullify Chelsea at the Brittania Stadium at Carrow Road, which would be good enough for at least a point.

It should be an entertaining affair, especially in the closing stages as Stoke begin to tire.

Match Prediction: Draw – 23/10 Bet365
Value Bet: 2-2 Draw (Correct Score) – 16/1 WilliamHill

Queens Park Rangers

Manager: Neil Warnock
Stadium: Loftus Road
Star Man: Adel Taarabt
2010-2011 Position: Champions in Championship

Summer Transfer Activity (Notable Transfer)

Arrivals – Kieron Dyer, Danny Gabbidon, Jay Bothroyd,

Departures – Mikel Leigertwood

Overview: You would have thought, what with Queens Park Rangers securing promotion to the Premier League as Championship champions, that fans would be buzzing ahead of the new season. That hasn’t really been the case at Loftus Road. Owned by F1 duo Berie Ecclestone and Falvio Briatore, between them the pair have handed manager Nigel Warnock next to nothing in regards to a summer transfer kitty, and as a result the QPR boss has had to have his wits about him in the window.

Three of Neil Warnock’s four summer signings arrived at Loftus Road without the club having to shell out a fee, with Jay Bothroyd having failed to agree terms with former employers Cardiff while Danny Gabbidon and Kieron Dyer were both released by West Ham upon relegation from the Premier League last season. Striker DJ Campbell is Warnock’s only major coup so far, costing the club somewhere in the region of £2M, which is nothing in Premier League terms.

So an underwhelming pre-season so far for QPR, who have spent considerably less than the other newly-promoted outfits, Norwich and Swansea. And it could get a whole lot worse were their star man from last season, Adel Taarabt, who, from what I’ve heard from Nigel Warnock, seems to cause more hassle than he’s actually worth.

A long season is in the offing for Rangers in what is their first spell back in the Premier League since they were relegated in 1995-1996.

QPR TO BE RELEGATED: 7/4 UNIBET

Stoke City

Manager: Tony Pulis
Stadium: Brittania Stadium
Star Man: Jonathan Walters
2010-2011 Position: 13th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Matthew Upson, Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham)

Departures – Abdoulaye Faye, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Ibrahima Sonko,

Overview: Clubs who aspire to be in the Premier League should follow Stoke City’s philosophy, a club who refuse to spend beyond their means. Not once, since they were promoted to the top-flight in 2008, have the Potters looked a club in danger of going down. In fact, they’ve grown in stature year-by-year, and last season they were on the cusp of achieving something truly remarkable, only to lose 1-0 in the final of the FA Cup to big-spending Manchester City.

So just how do Stoke better their achievements of last season? Simple really; stay-up. That is the goal each and every season, and it will be the same in 2011-2012. But are they at their most exposed after a summer of very little transfer activity – especially as they’ll also have Europe to contend with!

Tony Pulis has successfully retained all of his prized assets though, and while Matthew Upson and Jonathan Woodgate arrive at the Brittania on free transfers, after both defenders were deemed surplus to requirements at West Ham and Tottenham, the pair have both been capped by their country and will be fantastic acquisitions, joining up with a group of tenacious, hard-working individuals.

However, their European commitments could cause them a spot of bother. The Potters will partake in the UEFA Europa League for the very first time in 2011-2012, provided they come through the qualifying rounds unscathed, which will mean plenty more air miles, possibly as far as Eastern Europe, while there’s also the not so small matter of exhaustion and fatigue creeping into the dressing room by the time the team are back in league action the following Sunday, just three days after competing in Europe.

Could the excitement of Stoke’s first spell in Europe for nearly four decades lead to their demise this season?

STOKE TO BE RELEGATED: 10/1 VICTORCHANDLER

Sunderland

Manager: Steve Bruce
Stadium: Stadium of Light
Star Man: Asamoah Gyan
2010-2011 Position: 10th

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Wes Brown (Man Utd), Ahmed Elmohamady, Craig Gardner, John O’Shea (Man Utd), Kieran Westwood, Connor Wickham, David Vaughan

Departures – David Healy, Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)

Overview: One man who is always on his toes during pre-season is Steve Bruce, and the 50-year-old has done his fair share of wheeling and dealing in the summer. To be honest, though, he had his hands forced after his team’s Jekyll & Hyde performance last season.

It really was a season of two halves for Sunderland in 2010-2011. Come Christmas they were shaping up as a good bet for a top-six finish and a return to European action. But then Darren Bent was controversially sold to rivals Aston Villa, a host of key men picked up injuries that would rule them out for the remainder of the campaign, and the team’s form suddenly plummeted – and, come the final game, Sunderland were very fortunate to still be a Premiership club.

So it was always a likely scenario that Steve Bruce would be a busy bee during the summer, as he seeks to resolve his team’s inconsistency issues -  after all, his war chest is bigger than most. The big-money departures of Darren Bent and Jordan Henderson meant Bruce had plenty of scope, enabling him to complete moves for Manchester United duo Wes Brown and John O’Shea, Birmingham’s Sebastian Larsson and Craig Gardner, as well as Blackpool’s David Vaughan and Connor Wickham from Ipswich, one of the hottest prospects around.

Time is of the essence, though, when you’re a football manager these days, and time is what Bruce may well need in order for all the new faces to bed-in on Wearside. However, the squad as a whole does appear a lot stronger than the one which was knocking on the door of the European places in the first half of last season. There’s an abundance of experience at the back with Brown and O’Shea, Gardner and Vaughan will bring their combative qualities to the midfield while Stephane Sessegnon and Asamoah Gyan should be a real handful for defenders up front.

Is something special in the offing at the Stadium of Light?

SUNDERLAND TOP-SIX FINISH: 10/1 BET365

Swansea City

Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Stadium: Liberty Stadium
Star Man: Scott Sinclair
2010-2011 Position: Play-Off Winners in Championship

Summer Transfer Activity

Arrivals – Steven Caulker (Tottenham; Loan), Danny Graham, Jose Moreira

Departures – Jamie Grimes, Cedric van der Gun, Darren Pratley (Bolton), Dorus de Vries (Wolves)

Overview: The Swans made history when defeating Reading in the Championship play-off final at Wembley back in May, when winning 4-2, thus etching their names in the record books by becoming the first Welsh club to compete in the Premier League. But can they hold their own up against the big names of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United – as well as Manchester City, who they face in their very first Barclay’s Premier League fixture.

Just over 60% of clubs who have gained promotion via the play-off’s have gone straight back down. That is what Brendan Rodgers and Swansea are up against this season, overwhelming odds. But they’re going to give it a good go, and they’ve spent a fair bit in the summer in a bid to prolong their stay in the top-flight.

Brendan Rodgers’ very first signing since guiding Swansea to promotion was Watford’s top-scorer last season in the Championship, striker Danny Graham. He was later joined by Leroy Lite, the former Reading striker who does have crucial first-hand experience of the Premier League, as does winger Wayne Routledge, who completed his move to the Liberty Stadium from Newcastle just days before the start of the season.

The star man, however, will be former Chelsea youngster Scott Sinclair, a player who will not merely cause full-backs all sorts of problems with his pace and skill but he’ll also chip in with a few goals, as he did last season when finished as the club’s top-scorer with 21 goals.

It’s a massive ask for a club like Swansea to remain in this division, but they do play some crisp football and could end up surprising a few.

SWANSEA TO BE RELEGATED: 4/6 SKYBET

Stoke City V Wigan Athletic

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 22 May 2011 – 16:00 (GMT)
Venue: Brittania Stadium

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Preview

The Potters had their moment in the spotlight, and they blew it. Now it’s the turn of Wigan Athletic to get their name up in lights. Well… sort of.

Sunday’s final game of the season at fortress Brittania – it is where its occupants have not lost a single league fixture in 2011 – sees last week’s losing FA Cup finalists Stoke entertain relegation threatened Wigan in a fixture which even were the visitors to prevail in, wouldn’t necessarily assure them of safety.

The Latics go into the game on the back of last week’s breathtaking 3-2 win over West Ham in Greater Manchester, which relegated Avram Grant’s Hammers on the spot, but still languishing in the relegation zone, although by virtue of a slightly inferior goal difference and very little else. What it all means is Wigan must get a result away at Stoke else run the risk of relegation back to the nPower Championship, even though earning all three-points may still be in vein.

Having said all that, Wigan could lose 1-0 on ‘Survival Sunday’ and still end up avoiding the drop should Blackpool (18th) and Birmingham (17th) be on the receiving end of drubbings away at Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, which is very much a possibility bearing in mind the form and stature of the four teams in question. 

So it promises to be a thrilling final day at the bottom of the table. However, we shouldn’t discount those who have an important say in matters, and Stoke will certainly play a prominent part on Sunday.

Just eight days after losing the biggest match in their history – losing 1-0 to Manchester City in the final of the 2010/2011 FA Cup – Stoke return home for the first time, to the Brittania Stadium that is, and will be greeted by their proud supporters who are waiting to congratulate the team for another highly successful campaign.

Making the final of the FA Cup for the very first time was a remarkable achievement for the club. Even more impressive is how for the third season running, Tony Pulis’s men aren’t even involved in matters at the foot of the table in the closing stages of the term, with a fourth consecutive spell in the top-flight of English Football already in the bag.

So irrespective of what happened at Wembley a week previous, when Stoke battled gamely and fought tooth-and-nail with Manchester City but ultimately came up a little short, it has been a season to savour for the supporters who will once again turn out in vast numbers on Sunday to say their goodbyes. Knowing Tony Pulis like I do, he won’t want to sign out on a sour note, not at home in front of their hardened supporters.

Tony Pulis does have a tough job on his hands, though, galvanising a demoralised dressing room which, to be frank, cannot wait to jet off on their holidays after a week they’d rather forget in the short-term. A 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup final was a bitter enough pill to swallow but to succumb to a 3-0 loss to the very same opponent just three days later will have knocked the stuffing right of them, and that takes some doing.

The Potters were never at the races on Tuesday, when Man City basically trampled all over them at Eastlands, and so it remains to be seen which Stoke side actually turn up, or who for that matter. Robert Huth and Matthew Etherington struggled to make last week’s final through injury but missed the trip to Manchester several days later. So there’s two doubtful players already, key ones at that. In-form duo Jermaine Pennant and Kenwyn Jones are also carrying knocks.

On the bright side, for all you anti-Wigan folk out there this weekend, Stoke are unbeaten at home in the league throughout the whole of 2011 thus far, winning six of eight at their Brittania Stadium, which is expected to be a sell-out on Sunday.

Wigan, though, have been in this very situation before, having to win on the final day to stay up, and doing just that away at Sheffield United back in 2007. Those Latics seem to have a knack of just doing enough as well, so I wouldn’t be at all surprised were they to come through Sunday’s drama unscathed… again!

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Form

Stoke – DWDWL (Stoke 3-0 Wolves, Blackpool 0-0 Stoke, Stoke 3-1 Arsenal, Man City 1-0 Stoke, Man City 3-0 Stoke)

Wigan – WLDDW (Blackpool 1-3 Wigan, Sunderland 4-2 Wigan, Wigan 1-1 Everton, Aston Villa 1-1 Wigan, Wigan 3-2 West Ham)

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Head-to-Head (Premiership)

Stoke wins: 1
Draws: 4
Wigan wins: 0

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Wigan 2-2 Stoke
2009/2010: Wigan 1-1 Stoke
2009/2010: Stoke 2-2 Wigan
2008/2009: Stoke 2-0 Wigan
2008/2009: Wigan 0-0 Stoke

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Streaks & Trends

All but one of the five Premiership meetings have ended in a draw, including last season’s encounter at the Brittania Stadium (2-2).

Stoke were unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions but have now suffered back-to-back defeats, both against Manchester City.

The Potters, though, remain unbeaten at their Brittania Stadium in the league for eight games (W6 D2 L0).

Only Chelsea and Sunderland have scored first half goals against Stoke at the Brittania Stadium in 2011 (eight games).

The Latics haven’t won back-to-back games in the Premier League since March 2009, over two years ago.

Wigan are now without defeat for three games, but have only won one of their previous nine away from home (W1 D4 L4).

Charles N’Zogbia has five goals in as many games, scoring Wigan‘s first goal in each of their last three league fixtures.

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Match Prediction: Wigan Athletic to WIN – 2.50 VictorChandler

Throughout their six-year tenure in the Barclay’s Premier League, Wigan have made a habit of surviving by the skin of their teeth, by grounding out important points in a sporadic fashion. We’ve seen plenty of that this season as well, with last week’s stunning comeback victory against West Ham proof of this, and in any other season they’d have survived. But after all their exertions at the DW last week, do the Latics have anything left in their locker to give on ‘Survival Sunday’ – when at the very end of another mentally draining and absorbing campaign, it looks likely to come down to survival of the fittest?

I’m a big fan of Wigan manager Roberto Martinez and his footballing philosophy, so I’ll be a Latics supporter this weekend. A trip to Stoke at any other time in the season would be daunting, but Wigan couldn’t of wished for a more ample time to tackle Tony Pulis’ robust Potters at the Brittania, immediately after back-to-back defeats, one of which was a gut-wrenching 1-0 loss in the final of the FA Cup, which clearly had an adverse effect on morale as just three days later Stoke were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Manchester City, again, at Eastlands.

Stoke’s demeanour in Manchester during the week was a tell-tale sign that Tony Pulis has a dejected group of players at his disposal, possibly even depleted. I have no doubt he’ll do his best to rally the troops so that the fans can catch a final glimpse of his team in all their glory, but I fear the players have gone mentally. In stark contrast, Wigan should be fired up for Sunday and if they begin proceedings where they left off against West Ham, which was storming back from 2-0 down to score three second-half goals at a time when their backs were well and truly up against the wall, then Wigan could overawe Stoke.

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Match Odds

Stoke City – 2.88 BetFred
Draw – 3.60 Bet365
Wigan Athletic – 2.50 VictorChandler

Manchester City V Stoke City

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 14 May 2011 – 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: Wembley, London
TV Coverage: ITV1 & ESPN

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Preview

It is easy to discount the fact that the 2010/2011 FA Cup has stretched over nine months, featuring more than 700 competitors. However, this year’s version of the oldest knockout competition in the history of the sport will finally reach a conclusion on Saturday, 14 May when the most expensively-assembled squad in the land take on this year’s surprise package as Manchester City and Stoke City do battle at Wembley in an intriguing final, because of the contrasting styles and personnel, that will be shown in front of a large scale audience across the globe.

We may even see a first time winner, with Stoke set to appear in their very first FA Cup final after several failed efforts in the semi-finals. They made no mistake this time around though, thumping Bolton Wanderers 5-0 at Wembley last month to book a final date with one of the two Manchester giants. Yaya Toure scored the only goal of the game as underdogs Manchester City prevailed over their hated rivals Manchester United, winning 1-0 and in turn put his team within touching distance of securing their fifth FA Cup; their first since 1969.

And it’s of no surprise that Manchester City, the team with the greater pedigree and the big names, are the favourites to win Saturday’s show-piece. Several hundred million has been spent by their multi-billionaire owner, Sheikh Mansour, for this very purpose, to win major honours, and so it would almost be criminal were they not to be crowned 2010/2011 FA Cup winners. Stoke, though, won’t care less regarding any inferiority complex and will, as they have done for the most part throughout their highly successful three-year tenure in the Barclay’s Premier League, look to defy all the odds en route to claiming another significant scalp – though there will be none bigger than Man City in the final of the FA Cup.

Indeed, recent history is also on the underdogs’ side. Since 2008, these two very teams have clashed on no less than seven separate occasions, with Stoke losing just twice (W2 D3 L2) and even dumped Roberto Mancini’s City side out of last season’s FA Cup with a 3-1 victory at The Brittania Stadium. However, there is little doubt as to which of the two are on the right path to stardom.

It has been well documented that Manchester City have spent large sums on building a team capable of competing at the highest levels and winning trophies, and at long last, under the tactical nous of an Italian by the name of Roberto Mancini, whom had a tidy CV when it came to winning silverware at his former club Inter Milan, the club are beginning to see some of the fruits of their labour. Not only are they within 90 minutes of bringing the first piece of silverware to a club which has been starved of such a thing for 35-years , the glamour of Champions League football awaits them next season. Exciting times at Eastlands, then.

So whereas Man City expect nothing less than to be entertaining such fixtures for many years to come, it is the exact opposite for their opponents. And punters can rest assured that there isn’t a club more rooted than Stoke City; they know full well that opportunities like this are rare and are unlikely to come their way again for a very long time, so you can expect nothing less than a typically committed performance from The Potters on Saturday in what for some, including their highly rated manager but even more so their supporters, is the biggest match of their life’s.

On paper, I would say they are fairly evenly matched. Of course, it goes without saying that Manchester City boast the greater array of players, with manager Roberto Mancini having an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. They’ll also be in jubilant mood following victory over Tottenham Hotspur, which secured Champions League football for next season, just four days previous. Stoke, though, are in terrific form – it’s now five games without defeat, stretching back to their 5-0 hammering of Bolton in the semi-final to last weekend’s 3-1 rout of Arsenal at fortress Brittania – while their supporters, and I genuinely believe this, are some of the most passionate in the country and will shed just as much blood, sweat and tears in the Wembley stands as their team will on the pitch.

A lot does however depend on who does and does not make the team-sheet. Roberto Mancini is sweating over the fitness of star striker Carlos Tevez, who has scored 22 goals in all competitions this season but could only manage the last ten minutes of Tuesday’s league fixture with Spurs. Tony Pulis, meanwhile, has major concerns over two key players, with defender Robert Huth – a prominent threat from the air and a defender who has chipped in with nine goals this season – and winger Matthew Etherington both facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday’s colossal encounter.

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Form

Manchester City – WWWLW (Man City 1-0 Man City, Blackburn 0-1 Man City, Man City 2-1 West Ham, Everton 2-1 Man City, Man City 1-0 Tottenham)

The Citizens will be in high spirits following Tuesday’s hard-fought victory over Tottenham, with their 1-0 triumph at Eastlands good enough to secure Champions League football next season. However, their form in general has been very inconsistent, and they have lacked similar continuity in this season’s FA Cup as well. In the earlier rounds they struggled to overcome lower league opposition in the form of Leicester City and Notts County, while they also encountered problems in the Sixth Round with Reading. On that form, City look mighty vulnerable against an in-form, confident Stoke.

Stoke City – WDWDW (Bolton 0-5 Stoke, Aston Villa 1-1 Stoke, Stoke 3-0 Wolves, Blackpool 0-0 Stoke, Stoke 3-1 Arsenal)

The Potters will head into Saturday’s FA Cup final, arguably the biggest game in the club’s history, with plenty of momentum following last week’s 3-1 hammering of Arsenal at The Brittania. Stoke have now gone five games without defeat, and that does include their 5-0 demolition of Bolton in the semi-final.

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2010/2011 FA Cup Results

Manchester City

Third Round: Leicester 2-2 Man City
Third Round (Replay): Man City 4-2 Leicester
Fourth Round: Notts County 1-1 Man City
Fourth Round Man City 5-0 Notts County
Fifth Round: Man City 3-0 Aston Villa
Sixth Round: Man City 1-0 Reading
Semi-Final: Man City 1-0 Man Utd

Stoke City

Third Round: Stoke 1-1 Cardiff
Third Round (Replay): Cardiff 0-2 Stoke
Fourth Round: Wolves 0-1 Stoke
Fifth Round: Stoke 3-0 Brighton
Sixth Round: Stoke 2-1 West Ham
semi-Final: Bolton 0-5 Stoke

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Head-to-Head (All Competitions)

Man City wins: 40
Draws: 21
Stoke wins: 35

Last 5 Seasons (Premiership)

2010/2011: Stoke 1-1 Man City
2009/2010: Stoke 1-1 Man City
2009/2010: Man City 2-0 Stoke
2008/2009: Stoke 1-0 Man City
2008/2009: Man City 3-0 Stoke

FA Cup Meetings

2010/2011: Stoke 3-1 Man City (Replay)
2010/2011: Man City 1-1 Stoke

1975/1976: Stoke 1-0 Man City

1972/1973: Man City 3-2 Stoke

1933/1934: Man City 1-0 Stoke

1927/1928: Man City 0-1 Stoke

1910/1911: Stoke 1-2 Man City

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Value Bets

Manchester City to WIN to NIL @ 3.00 PaddyPower

Roberto Mancini’s men have won their last four FA Cup ties without conceding.

Carlos Tevez Last Goalscorer @ 6.00 WilliamHill

He has scored more goals than any other Manchester City player this season, however the Argentine striker has spent the last month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury but has conveniently recovered in time to be in contention for Saturday. However, despite his courageous efforts to regain his fitness, I believe Tevez may have to settle for an appearance from the bench, though that will only make him an even bigger threat, up against some tired Stoke legs in the second half.

Robert Huth to Score @ 11.50 Unibet

The German defender is trying every method possible to be fit in time for Saturday’s showdown and my inkling is that he may just make the cut. If he does, Huth, who has scored nine times this season, will be Stoke’s main threat from set-pieces and looks tremendous value to get on the scoresheet.

Kenwyn Jones to Hit the Woodwork (Post or Crossbar without scoring) @ 11.00 888Sport

No players has hit the post or crossbar more times in the Premier League this season than Stoke’s powerful forward, whom has also netted three times in his last four starts.

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Special Bets

To Lift the Trophy

Manchester City – 1.40 Boylesports
Stoke City – 3.00 Bet365

To Win in Extra-Time

Manchester City – 11.00 Bet365
Stoke City – 26.00 Bet365

To Win on Penalties

Manchester City – 13.00 Boylesports
Stoke City – 13.00 Boylesports

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Match Prediction: Stoke City to WIN – 4.60 Totesport

Although a couple of Stoke’s influential figures are touch-and-go for Saturday, my message is clear: Write off this particular underdog at your peril, as Stoke have the ammunition to turn over the odds-on favourites; a loyal and passionate following of supporters, an intimidating group of players in stature, as well as a shrewd manager, but also a taste for defying adversity, something they did to devastating affect just last Sunday, when comprehensively beating Arsenal 3-1, and have done throughout their stay in the most demanding of domestic leagues, the Barclay’s Premier League.

Manchester City are rightly favourites. That said, I definitely feel firms have gone mad with their price on a Stoke upset, and I’m certain I won’t be the only one who reckons Tony Pulis’ side are exceptional value this weekend.

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Match Odds

Manchester City – 1.91 VictorChandler
Draw – 3.60 Bet365
Stoke City – 4.60 Totesport

Stoke City V Arsenal

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 8 May 2011 – 14:05 (GMT)
Venue: Brittania Stadium
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD1

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Preview

I’m sure all of you are familiar with the old adage that opposites attract, and all that mumbo-jumbo. Well, in football you’ll struggle to find two more contrasting styles than the two teams in question, and I can assure you that these two cannot stand each other.

It all began back in November 2008, when Arsene Wenger was left shell-shocked at the robust nature of the Potters following a 2-1 reverse at the Brittania Stadium. Then, almost a year later, Arsenal exacted their revenge in the form of a 3-1 success, however, Wenger was left furious after a Ryan Shawcross tackle floored Aaron Ramsey, leaving the talented young Welshman with a double leg-break and sidelined for a considerable period. Hopefully, the third Brittania clash between the two will pass by without a bad word said, although I’m not holding my breath.

Fortunately for Ramsey, the Arsenal youngster did recover from that horrific injury. And although the thought of revenge won’t even enter his mind on Sunday, I’m sure he’s eager nonetheless to exorcise a few demons when he pays Stoke’s Brittania Stadium, as well as defender Ryan Shawcross, a first visit since that unsavoury evening – and I’m sure he’ll receive a warm reception from both sets of supporters.

So expect nothing less than the pre-match headlines to centre around Arsenal’s Welsh wizard, though the focus may not entirely be on his injury.

Arsenal’s clash with league leaders Manchester United topped the billing last weekend, and it was fittingly Ramsey, making his first Premiership start for fifteen months, who popped up with the only goal of the game to hand Arsenal their first win for three games, quashing a dismal seven-match run with the Red Devils in the process of six defeats and one draw, but also blowing this title race wide-open – not that Arsenal are considered a contender any more, despite their heroics at the Emirates.

Six-points is the deficit Arsenal need to bridge within their remaining three matches of the season if they’re to be crowned champions, and looking at their fixtures in comparison to leaders United, and Chelsea for that matter, I think we can safely rule out the Gunners from producing what would be regarded as one of the greatest ever comebacks in English league history, let alone Premiership folklore. That said, Wenger insists that his team won’t throw in the towel until it is mathematically impossible, and for once his team did respond to the Frenchman’s battle-cry last Sunday.

Stoke, meanwhile, who haven’t had a look-in so far in this preview, don’t really have anything meaningful to play for with regards to the league, rendering their final three games meaningless. In fact, their focus is solely on next week’s FA Cup final with Manchester City. So we may even see Tony Pulis name a weakened side for the visit of Arsenal. In doing so, though, the Potters boss runs the risk of halting his side’s momentum.

Stoke are currently unbeaten in four, an encouraging run of form which does include their 5-0 rout of Bolton in the semi-final of the FA Cup, not to mention running riot against Wolves in their most recent home assignment, when goals from Jones, Shawcross and Pennant sealed an impressive 3-0 win; their ninth of the season at home in the Premiership.

No-one would begrudge Tony Pulis making changes, though he does have a couple forced upon him. Danny Higginbotham, Matthew Etherington and Ricardo Fuller are out injured while defender Andy Wilkinson is also nursing a knock and may not be risked.

As for Arsenal, Arsene Wenger could once again be without captain Cesc Fabregas, who hasn’t been playing to the high standard we’ve come to expect from the Spaniard. The midfielder is being linked with a move away from the Emirates in the summer, which is perhaps why his performances in the New Year haven’t been up to scratch. Samir Nasri is also a worry for Wenger, while Abou Diaby is definitely out.

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Form & Last Result

Stoke City – LWDWD (Tottenham 3-2 Stoke, Bolton 0-5 Stoke, Aston Villa 1-1 Stoke, Stoke 3-0 Wolves, Blackpool 0-0 Stoke)

Although Kenwyn Jones spurned a glorious opportunity to seal a priceless away win for the Potters, Stoke manager Tony Pulis will nevertheless be delighted that his team have now gone four-games unbeaten in all competitions – especially as the FA Cup final looms large. The final score at Bloomfield Road was 0-0, Stoke bossing much of the game but were unable to convert their superiority into goals.

Arsenal – WDDLW (Blackpool 1-3 Arsenal, Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool, Tottenham 3-3 Arsenal, Bolton 2-1 Arsenal, Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd)

It was a case of too little too late for the Gunners last Sunday as they dispatched of league leaders Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. Youngster Aaron Ramsey, who was filling in for the injured Cesc Fabregas, with the only goal of the game as Arsenal finally beat their arch rivals at the eighth time of asking, grounding out a hard-fought but thoroughly deserved 1-0 win.

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Head-to-Head (Premiership)

Stoke wins: 1
Draws: 0
Arsenal wins: 4

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Arsenal 1-0 Stoke
2009/2010: Stoke 1-3 Arsenal
2009/2010: Arsenal 2-0 Stoke
2008/2009: Arsenal 4-1 Stoke
2008/2009: Stoke 2-1 Arsenal

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Match Prediction: Arsenal to WIN – 1.73 WilliamHill

The Brittania Stadium is one of the most formidable venues, outside of the top-six, in the Premier League and is extremely difficult to take points from at any time of the season. However, considering the circumstances – Stoke preparing for next week’s FA Cup final with Manchester City and Arsenal still clinging onto the faintest of hopes that they could be crowned Premier League champions – I reckon we’ll not only see two contrasting teams – a possibly weakened Stoke against the strongest possible eleven of Arsenal – but mindsets as well, as it’s almost impossible for the Stoke dressing room not to begin fantasising about their dreamy date with Wembley in a week’s time.

The Gunners, meanwhile, were at their steely best at home to United last Sunday and that hard-fought triumph should have had a galvanising affect on the dressing room, which in turn should lead to a strong finish to an otherwise disappointing season.

Also, Robin Van Persie has been unstoppable away from home, scoring in each of his last seven away appearances in the Premier League.

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Value Bets

Stoke to WIN to NIL @ 9.00 Bet365

Six of the Potters’ nine league victories at home this season were without conceding a goal.

Stoke +0.5 AH @ 2.25 VictorChandler

Not since 28 December have Stoke been beaten in a home league fixture, winning five and drawing two.

Robin Van Persie to Score @ 2.10 888Sport (888sport free bet)

Arsenal’s Dutch striker has scored in each of their previous seven away matches in the league, nine goals in total.

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Match Odds

Stoke City – 5.50 PaddyPower
Draw – 4.00 VictorChandler
Arsenal – 1.73 WilliamHill