Arsenal vs Stoke City Sunday 11th January KO: 13:30

[Master Splinter]

He's had a week off. No need for a rest. All our players eventually succumb to a long-term injury anyway so he might as well be used while he's in good form.

WUMger will reward Giroud for his stupidity by handing him an instant start on his return rather than stick with the flexibility, movement, speed, directness and unpredictability that a similar forward line to the one versus Hull would offer. The midfield should stay the same too, as it had more balance and fluency than we've seen in a while. Ozil and Flamini straight back into the team too, then.

2-0.

[Syn]

If Giroud had some competition then I'd agree but Walcott looked very rusty last week, Welbeck's injured and don't know what to make of Campbell. Giroud was actually showing some good form before his ban. The only other choice is Sanchez at CF but Giroud would be better on physical battles. Don't think Ozil will start this, so Sanchez will still have his free role to do the damage.

[Master Splinter]

Stoke orcs find it easier against players like Bif. They thrive on the barging and hussling and grappling and elbowing. Speedy, nippy fuckers will trouble them more.

Feo's finishing was crap, but he made some superb runs.

[AFC Leveller]

Giroud has got to start upfront, he gives the team a nice and betetr ballance than anyone else. When Sanchez as played upfront; we have looked toothless because he doesnt play the lone striker role as well as BIF.

Id go with:

Ches

Debuchy---Mert--Kos--Gibbs

Cazorla---Coq---Rozza

Sanchez----Giroud--Ox

id love a 6-0 but cant see it, 2-1 more likely.

[Injury Time]

Flamini straight red within 10mins, Orc will literally kill Sanchez and get a cuddle and penalty from the ref. 0-1
Chez to be sold after the match for rolling a big fat joint.

[adzzzbatch]

2-1. that is all.

[Niall_Quinn]

3-0 Ozil hattrick.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Can't believe Ozil is actually back! I'd say his Rambo and Theo's comeback puts less onus on us to rest Sanchez so I don't see why he shouldn't play really.

I'd be inclined to go with Lev's team.

[Munchies]

3-0

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Arsenal: Ospina, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky, Cazorla, Alexis, Giroud.
Subs: Szczesny, Bellerin, Flamini, Ramsey, Özil, Campbell, Walcott.

Stoke: Begovic; Cameron, Wollscheid, Shawcross, Pieters; Nzonzi, Whelan; Arnautovic, Bojan, Walters; Crouch.
Subs: Butland, Muniesa, Ireland, Wilson, Moses, Adam, Sidwell

Ches.