Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger will hope his Arsenal side can continue their impressive record against Stoke on Sunday. REUTERS

Arsenal welcome Stoke to the Emirates Sunday, buoyed by a valuable mid-week Champions League win.

Aaron Ramsey's late goal clinched a 1-0 victory for the Gunners against Marseille, sending them clear at the top of Group F and manager Arsene Wenger believes his side have turned a corner following a difficult start to the season.

"It's hard [to play the weekend after European games] but let's hope they [Stoke] suffer a little bit," Wenger said. "It's very important for us to play to our strengths and not hope that Stoke are weaker because they have played in Europe."

Four defeats in their opening eight matches has seen Wenger's side slump to 10th in the Premier League but the Arsenal manager will hope Stoke's mid-week exertions have also taken their toll.

The Potters' 3-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv saw Tony Pulis' side head Europa League Group E after three matches.

"We are expecting a good opponent and for us to continue to focus," Wenger added.

"I feel the team has a good basis because the players are intelligent, they have a desire to do well and you can see the unity in the group is there."

Stoke travel to north London on the back of Thursday's triumph as well as a 2-0 win against Fulham last weekend, and Pulis will be encouraged by his side's recent form following consecutive away defeats.

"It was a smashing win [against Maccabi Tel-Aviv]. Scoring three goals, keeping a clean sheet and no injuries was important," Pulis said.

Team News

Arsenal are without a recognised right-back after Carl Jenkinson suffered a knee injury against Marseille.

With Bacary Sagna (broken leg) a long-term absentee, Wenger is likely to ask Johan Djourou to start out wide.

The Frenchman has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Sunday's clash, with Kieran Gibbs (stomach), Abou Diaby and Thomas Vermaelen (both ankle) all short of match practice.

Tony Pulis will give Jermain Pennant a late fitness test before naming his staring XI. The former Gunners' midfielder is struggling to overcome a hamstring injury and missed Thursday's Europa League win.

Jonathan Woodgate returns to the squad after missing the mid-week game, while Danny Higginbotham and Wilson Palacio are also available.

Arsenal probable XI: Szczesny; Djourou, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Santos; Arteta, Walcott, Song, Rosicky; Gervinho, Van Persie.

Stoke probable XI: Begovic; Wilkinson, Shawcross, Upson, Wilson; Delap, Whelan, Etherington, Pennant; Walters, Jones.

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