Squad sheets: Stoke City v Arsenal

Chelsea's progression to the Champions League final has increased the prospect of the team that finishes fourth in the Premier League this season missing out on playing in Europe's elite competition next year. Landing third spot is critical, therefore, a position currently held by Arsenal. Arsène Wenger's side have failed to win either of their last two games and with Newcastle, Tottenham, and Chelsea, likely to win this weekend, they cannot afford a slip-up in a fixture they have found tough going in recent seasons. Sachin Nakrani Venue Britannia Stadium, Saturday 3pm Tickets £35-45 (01782 367599) Last season Stoke 3 Arsenal 1 Referee Chris Foy This season's matches 19 Y 56, R 4, 3.16 cards per game Odds Stoke 7-2 Arsenal 10-11 Draw 13-5 Stoke Subs from Nash, Sorensen, Whelan, Jones, Fuller, Pennant, Dawson, Shotton, Jerome, Woodgate, Clarkson Doubtful Pennant (illness) Injured Wilkinson (hamstring, 6 May), Diao (knee, Aug), Sidibe (knee, unknown) Suspended None Form guide LDWLDD Disciplinary record Y56 R2 Leading scorer Crouch 9 Arsenal Subs from Almunia, Fabianski, Coquelin, Diaby, André Santos, Squillaci, Jenkinson, Gervinho, Chamakh, Miquel, Park, Djourou Doubtful Coquelin (hamstring), Diaby (illness) Injured Walcott (hamstring, 5 May), Arteta (ankle, Aug), Mertesacker (ankle, Aug), Wilshere (ankle, Aug) Frimpong (knee, Sep) Suspended None Form guide DLWWLW Disciplinary record Y62 R4 Leading scorer Van Persie 27 Match pointers • Arsenal have used more players in 2011-12 (32) than any other side in the division • Stoke have scored the highest percentage of goals from set-pieces (63%) while Arsenal (13%) have the lowest • After receiving a red card in his first game against Stoke, Robin van Persie has scored five times in three subsequent appearances against them • Peter Crouch is one of a group of seven players to have scored for six different Premier League teams • Arsenal have caught the most opponents offside (129) in the top flight this season