Arsenal put themselves right back in the chase to challenge Chelsea for the title last weekend as they beat West Ham 5-1, leaving our Gunners fans in the Transfer Tavern feeling confident.

Indeed, that convincing victory combined with Liverpool and Manchester City losses saw the men from North London go second in the table behind the Blues as we head into what promises to be a crucial festive period.

Despite the Reds and the Citizens losing, they are still in this title chase – whilst Tottenham cannot be discounted after winning against Swansea; so ahead of this weekend, each team knows that every point counts.

The Gunners face one of their old foes in Stoke City this weekend and will be looking to prove they are mentally stronger than they have been in recent years with a win, whilst the Potters fans would like nothing more than to upset their charge.

It could be a huge clash, then, and our landlord reckons Arsenal will win it if they go with this line-up…

 GK: Petr Cech

The former Chelsea ‘keeper is always going to start in the Premier League when fit. He had a quiet time of it last time out against West Ham and will hope for more of the same against Stoke.

 RB: Gabriel Paulista

With Hector Bellerin and Mathieu Debuchy out, Gabriel Paulista could find himself at right back again this weekend. The Brazilian needs to play well, though, as there are doubts here in the Transfer Tavern that he’s good enough.

 CB: Laurent Koscielny

Koscielny is a top class defender and will once again have to lead by example at the back for the Gunners. Shkodran Mustafi has been okay alongside him but he’s still needed bailing out at times by the Frenchman.

 CB: Shkodran Mustafi

It’s up for debate as to whether Mustafi has done enough to keep Per Mertesacker out of the side here in the Transfer Tavern. He’s been decent but arguably not the centre-half Gunners fans wanted in the summer window.

 LB: Nacho Monreal

Monreal appears to have seen off the challenge of Kieran Gibbs for his starting spot but it’s highly debatable that he should be considered the Gunners long-term option for the left back position. He’s looked poor at times.

 CDM: Granit Xhaka

Xhaka still needs to properly find his feet in the Premier League but he needs a run of games to do so. He should get the chance against Stoke for more minutes, though, as he’ll be key to the physical battle.

 CDM: Francis Coquelin

Equally as key to Arsenal winning in midfield is this man. He’s back from his injury and with his Swiss team mate still looking for form, he may need to take charge against the Potters.

 RAM: Theo Walcott

Walcott has dipped a little in form since the start of the season but that is more because of how well he started than how poor he is now. He’s still putting in decent performances and just needs to find the goal-trail again.

 CAM: Mesut Ozil

With all due respect to Stoke, they’re not one of the biggest clubs in the league so Ozil will probably turn up here. It’s the games against the biggest sides where a question mark still persists over his name.

 LAM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

‘The Ox’ put in a fine display against West Ham last weekend and scored a corker of a goal so he deserves another run-out against Stoke. Finding that consistency is now the key for him if he wants to keep playing.

 ST: Alexis Sanchez

Has to be the first name on the team sheet after his hat-trick against West Ham last time out. All three of his goals were superb and he’ll be looking for more of that against the Potters this time out.

Agree Arsenal fans? Let us know below!