4. Find Walcott In Behind
Theo Walcott is renowned all over Europe for his blistering pace and ball control, but the striker has made a rather timid start to the 2013/14 season so far. With just 2 assists from Arsenal's 8 league goals, Walcott hasn't really impressed those who tipped him to follow on from his form last season, in which he scored 21 goals and racked up 13 assists in his 43 games last season, being involved in a goal every 1.2 games. As well as his impressive speed, Walcott has also added a certain composure in front of goal to his game, which made him a reliable source of goals last season, both for Arsenal and for England. The fact he hasn't lived up to his pre-season hype yet shouldn't worry Arsenal fans too much though. That's because he scored his first goal of the season,
an impressively composed volley, away in Marseille in the first round of Champions League fixtures in midweek. Anyone who knows anything about football would now expect Walcott to push on from that goal and head into Sunday's game buoyed with confidence. Therefore, Walcott could be a massive influence against a stereotypically slow Stoke defence. That's why it could be smart for Arsenal to invite Stoke forward as if one of the midfielders can find the perfect ball in behind them, Arsenal could be in for a fruitful afternoon.