It’s been an exciting week for the Arsenal fans at The Football Tavern after a satisfying performance against a deteriorating Man Utd…

And now this weekend, Arsene Wenger is likely to want to field an attacking XI in order to break down Stoke’s defence and maintain Arsenal’s winning ways. The Wenger faithfuls here are convinced by the new 3-4-1-2 shape that has been fielded lately, whilst the critics have questioned its long term suitability, using the Spurs defeat as a prime example.

With Stoke likely to set up a defensive approach similar to United’s, the more creative players will need to step up and prove their ability to break down even the strongest of ‘parked buses’. There are no more lifelines and with just just three games remaining, every game is a must win if Arsenal are to stand a chance of achieving top four this year.

Here is our landlord’s starting XI that we feel will surely see Stoke’s back-line crumble…

GK: Petr Cech

A cool, calm and collected figure in goal is essential to Arsenals top 4 hopes. His experience and presence on the pitch instills confidence in the defence and he can be relied upon when called to action.

CB: Nacho Monreal

Despite his pre match pleasantries with his opposition, Monreal should see himself in the starting XI once again. With his experience at left back predominantly, Monreal has slotted in comfortably as a centre-back and can bring some much needed dependability for Arsenal.

Another clean sheet will be hoped for as he reaches his 33rd premier league appearance this year.

CB: Shkodran Mustafi

Laurent Koscielny missed the game against Southampton with a calf injury and it could end up with Mustafi playing once again. The German isn’t the worst option have though. 

CB: Rob Holding

Has made a few recent appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League this season and likely to get another shot.

Expected to have a bright future ahead of him and these key games will give him much needed experience to become a regular fixture next year.

RWB: Hector Bellerin

With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain likely to be out, Hector Bellerin will fill in. For the first time in his Arsenal career he really needs to prove himself, too.

CM: Aaron Ramsey

Has had his fair share of critics as of late but was able to silence them with his Man of the Match performance last weekend.

In previous years he has had a handful of goals, which isn’t the case this time round, however what he does offer off the ball is exquisite. A pinnacle force in the game against United in which he pieced together some dangerous attacks.

CM: Granit Xhaka

Hasn’t had the best of debut seasons but improved massively in the last couple of games and gave solid performances.

His strength and tackling ability will be necessary in the middle of the park, in order to overpower Stoke.

LWB: Kieran Gibbs

Despite having played at the left back position for the most part of his Arsenal career, Gibbs took well to adapting to a LWB role. He is always keen to attack and enjoys overlapping down the wing and swinging the ball in to the box.

A reliable squad member, although he hasn’t had much game time this year with just 9 premier league appearances.

CAM: Mesut Ozil

Ozil has been scolded for not showing up in the big games.

With 7 goals and 6 assists in the Premier league this season, he may well prove key to breaking down a defensive wall and providing the front line with much needed service.

CAM: Alexis Sanchez

Arsenal’s most influential player this year and likely to be the determining factor in their scoring ability.

Created and had a few opportunities in his last game and will be attempting to secure his 20th Premier league goal this weekend. Stoke are likely to keep very tight with Sanchez, so it will be interesting to see how he deals with that, but he has more than enough skill to work an angle for himself.

ST: Danny Welbeck

Was very pleased to have scored against his previous club Man United with a superb climb and header and should be given the nod ahead of Olivier Giroud. His off ball movement allows Arsenal to play a different type of game than with Giroud and the only thing going against him in comparison to Giroud is his physicality.

He seems to score when it’s most needed and Wenger will be hoping that he has his firing boots on.

Arsenal fans, is this team good enough to beat Stoke and claim top 4? Let us know below!