Preview: Stoke City vs. Arsenal

Stoke City and Arsenal face off on Sunday as both teams search for their first win of the Premier League season.

The Potters were dealt a late equaliser by Reading on Saturday, resulting in a 1-1 draw, while the Gunners failed to find the net in a goalless encounter with Sunderland.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is without Dean Whitehead for this weekend's clash at the Britannia after the midfielder was sent off against Reading, which is likely to pave the way for Wilson Palacios.

Peter Crouch is expected to lead the line, while winger Jermaine Pennant is due to face a late fitness test ahead of the match.

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger is likely to field a similar side that started the season last weekend but new frontman Olivier Giroud could get the nod over Gervinho, despite missing an easy goal against the Black Cats.

England international Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should also return to the squad after missing out on Saturday, but a place on the bench is the more likely option for the former Southampton star.

Stoke City: Begovic; Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Wilson; Kightly, Palacios, Whelan, Etherington; Walters; Crouch

Arsenal: Szczesny; Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Diaby, Cazorla, Arteta; Walcott, Giroud, Podolski

Sports Mole says: 0-1

Previews by email