With Denilson moved slightly further back to sit ahead of Gallas and Vermaelen and Diaby not quite ready to return it will be interesting to see which midfielder is given the job of helping Denilson as well as joining the attack

Little and large meet up this afternoon at the Emirates, Arsene will be expecting his team to end a three match domestic losing streak.

A game in normal circumstances would be a routine home victory could prove to be a ‘tall’ order from the Arsenal players. Jokes aside, the one team you would hope to have some of your larger personnel would be against Stoke who have many towering oaf’s players. Wenger’s last available player with power in the air was ruled out. Alex Song picked up a yellow card in the midweek defeat to Manchester City and is likely to be replaced by Denilson.

It was away to Stoke last season when Arsene made alterations to the side, bringing in Diaby to the left wing and including Alex Song who at the time was not first choice. Even so we were undone by two long throws into the box which resulted in two headers flying past Manuel Almunia.

The return fixture at the Emirates was a total different ball game, Stoke couldn’t get near us and we played to our strengths and brushed them aside 4-1, scoring three goals before 20 minutes.

Wenger will want his side to do the same this afternoon, if we play to our best and penetrate Stoke like we have been for much of this season then their height will become irrelevant.

With Denilson moved slightly further back to sit ahead of Gallas and Vermaelen and Diaby not quite ready to return it will be interesting to see which midfielder is given the job of helping Denilson as well as joining the attack. The choices are pretty much between Ramsey or Nasri and I think the young Welshman could be given the role with Nasri pushed further forward to help Eduardo.

I would like to see Carlos Vela given another shot but I would expect Eduardo to be given the chance to show us what he is really capable of. The guy needs a goal, one goal could transform him back into the player we know he is.

Eduardo is an experienced predator but Vela excites me. his pace and unpredictability could spark the Arsenal front line back into gear, we may see the Mexican but it would be likely to be off the bench.

I have a feeling that Fabianski will be kept in between the sticks, we will see on that one.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction

It is time to well and truly say goodbye to another nasty November, and time to look forward. At home with our creative players keeping the ball I cannot see Stoke, organised or not keeping us out. We have to make sure we do not give away cheap set pieces, whether they are from free kicks or corners.

I am crossing my fingers for Eddie to get a goal and for the Gunners to start a positive December.