Afternoon all! Our Premier League coverage continues on Sports Mole as Stoke City welcome Arsenal to the Britannia. The home side will be looking for the three points to distance themselves from the bottom three, but the Gunners have the league title on their minds with just 11 games remaining.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Arsenal have won three of the last five matches and seven of the 11 Premier League meetings. However, only one of those victories has come at Stoke, who have already beaten Chelsea and Manchester United in this stadium this season. The reverse match at the Emirates earlier this season ended in a 3-1 Arsenal win.

Overall, it has been a mixed season for the Potters, who replaced Tony Pulis with Mark Hughes at the start of the season. They enter the match having won just one of their last 10 games in the league, with that run of form leaving them in 15th position, just three points from the relegation zone with 11 matches remaining.

BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Stoke are still without the services of Peter Odemwingie and Robert Huth, but Charlie Adam, Glenn Whelan and Jonathan Walters all start for the Potters. Arsenal, meanwhile, leave German international Mesut Ozil on the bench, but there are starts for Tomas Rosicky, Lukas Podolski and Kieran Gibbs. Full teams to follow.

TEAMS:

STOKE: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters; Walters, Nzonzi, Whelan, Adam, Arnautovic; Crouch

ARSENAL: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Wilshere; Rosicky, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud

So there we have it. Walters recovers from a strain to take his spot in the Stoke XI, while, as expected, Ryan Shawcross skippers the team from central defence. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger pairs Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny at the heart of his defence once more, with the pair going together like a knife and fork this season. Nacho Monreal is injured, however, which means a start at left-back for Gibbs.

Stoke have certainly played a more attractive brand of football this season, but the fact that they are six points and five places worse off than under Pulis at the same stage last season is an indication of their struggles. However, they have raised themselves against the bigger sides, taking seven points from home games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Glorious day here at the Britannia. Team news coming shortly #SCFC pic.twitter.com/tpMwjZuDRE — Stoke City FC (@stokecity) March 1, 2014

Hughes's side have scored in each of their last six league matches at home, while they have lost just twice at the Britannia all season in the league. That is a significantly better record than the teams around them, but they have struggled on their travels with just one win from 14 matches, losing 10 times in the process.

What's more, Stoke have gone 14 matches without keeping a clean sheet in all competitions, conceding 26 times during that run of matches. They have also won just one of their last 10 league matches, which will worry Potters supporters at this stage of the campaign. Today's substitutes and full team sheet...

The official team-sheet. #SCFCvAFC pic.twitter.com/PS83akKIGd — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) March 1, 2014

Conceding goals has been a problem for Stoke this season with 42 in their 27 matches, which is the third-worst total in the league – only Cardiff and Fulham have conceded more. It has also been a struggle down the other end with just 27 league goals this season, six of which have come from midfield through Charlie Adam.

The players are being out through their paces. We're 30 minutes away from kick-off #SCFC pic.twitter.com/wrAvWr2iox

— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) March 1, 2014

Arsenal, meanwhile, have their sights firmly set on their first league title since 2004. The Gunners enter the match in high spirits after recovering from a 2-0 defeat in first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash against Bayern Munich by beating Sunderland 4-1 at the Emirates last weekend.

As it stands, Arsene Wenger's side sit second in the table, just one point from leaders Chelsea and two ahead of third-place Manchester City, who have a game in hand. Liverpool are also not yet out of the running with the Reds boasting 56 points from their 27 matches. It is a race that looks certain to go down to the wire.

After Stoke, Arsenal play Everton, Bayern Munich, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City – games which will define their season. It has been an impressive campaign for the Gunners, but their form will count for nothing if their long wait for a trophy continues. It is a season-defining couple of months.

Arsenal might have won just one of their last seven matches against Stoke at the Britannia, but only Tottenham (29) have taken more points on the road this season than Arsenal (29). The Gunners have also lost just one of their last 11 matches in the league, although that was a 5-1 thumping against Liverpool at the start of February.

What's more, Arsenal have the best record in the league when facing opposition in the bottom half of the table, winning 13 of their 15 matches. However, when taking a look at their upcoming fixtures, it will be their results against the bigger teams that will define whether they claim silverware.

As touched upon, the London outfit have a strong away record in the league this season having won eight of their 13 matches, losing just three times in the process. That is a significantly stronger record than their title challengers, but while Chelsea, City and Liverpool have won 12 times at home, Arsenal have won just 10.

Arsenal's defensive record this season has also been extremely strong with just 27 conceded in their 27 matches, which is the second-best record in the league behind Chelsea, who have the same number of clean sheets as Arsenal (12). Down the other end, they have scored 52 times, which is 17 less than City and 18 less than Liverpool.

Wenger said at a pre-match press conference on Friday: "Overall, it will be very tight. If you are consistent, you will have a good chance to win it." Despite their struggles at the Britannia in recent seasons, you just get the feeling that they cannot afford to drop points this afternoon.

PREDICTION: It is no secret that Arsenal have found it difficult against Stoke at the Britannia in recent seasons, but this is not the same team that used to bully the Gunners under Pulis. I expect it to be tight encounter, but I think Arsenal have enough about them to secure a narrow 2-1 win.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon. Once the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged, we will be ready to get the first 45 minutes underway.

Be sure to remain with Sports Mole throughout the afternoon for all the Premier League action. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match. The away side get this Premier League clash underway at the Britannia. Let's hope for entertainment.

The teams come out. #SCFCvAFC pic.twitter.com/6c0f5wgIZG — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) March 1, 2014

A testing month for Arsenal starts at a testing place. The Gunners have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, which brings boos from the home supporters. The first free kick of the match goes Stoke's way, however, as Giroud is penalised for backing into Shawcross, who delivers long into the Arsenal box, but Crouch cannot make contact under pressure from Mertesacker.

Bright period of the match for the home side as a long throw from Pieters causes concern in the Arsenal boss, but Mertesacker is on hand to clear once more. The crowd are certainly up for this match with a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium. Podolski drives down the right for the away side moments later, but Cameron is on hand to clear as the end-to-end contest continues.

Opportunity for Stoke to deliver a free kick into the Arsenal box as Wilshere brings Adam to the ground. The resulting set piece is taken by the Scot, but Szczesny is on hand to collect. The Arsenal goalkeeper releases Rosicky down the other end, but Arnautovic is on hand to clear the danger. Bright opening six minutes.

It's good work from Rosicky as the Arsenal midfielder closes down Shawcross inside the Stoke box, but the Czech international's effort is wide of the post. Just a few signs that the Gunners are starting to warm to their task with the likes of Wilshere and Arteta seeing plenty of the ball inside the Stoke half.

Neither manager looks too pleased with what they have seen in the opening 10 minutes due to a number of loose passes from both sides. It appears that Hughes and Wenger could do with a bunch of flowers. Neither team is too interested in forcing the issue, which is not a surprise at this stage of proceedings. Still goalless on this bright and sunny afternoon in Stoke.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of minutes due to a number of late challenges. Plenty of attacking intent from Stoke, but too often the final pass has been loose. The early atmosphere has just dropped, however, which has dropped the tempo on the field.

The untidiness continues as Adam concedes a needless corner after losing possession on the left. The resulting set piece is delivered into the six-yard box, but Shawcross manages to force it behind. First period of sustained pressure from Arsenal, but it comes to an end when Pieters clears down field to Crouch.

Bright moment for Stoke as Arnautovic finds the head of Walters inside the Arsenal box, but his effort is just wide of the post. It would not have counted, however, with the linesman raising his flag.

Arsenal are finding it really difficult to play their football in the Stoke half as another attack breaks down in the final third. The home side threaten on the counter moments later, but Podolski is on hand to challenge the lively Walters. Still goalless with 18 minutes on the clock at the Britannia.

Half-chance for Arsenal as Cazorla finds some space outside the box before attempting to curl one into the top corner, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. That has been the story of the opening 20 minutes thus far. A few bright moments for both sides, but no more than that.

Bright work from Walters gains Stoke a corner as Wilshere is forced to come across and challenge the Republic of Ireland international. Arnautovic delivers towards the far post, but Crouch's flick is cleared by Sagna. The pressure remains as Shawcross delivers towards Wilson, but the Arsenal goalkeeper is on hand to claim. Down the other end, Giroud flicks a Gibbs cross just wide of the post.

Stoke continue to worry the away side as N'Zonzi wins a corner from Arteta. Once more all the big hitters are sent forward, but the set piece is played to the edge of the box and Cazorla is on hand to clear. Poor from the Potters. Luckily for the home side, Wilshere loses possession just outside the Stoke box.

The referee continues to become involved due to a number of petty fouls, but the referee has not deemed it necessary to produce a yellow card thus far. It is an extremely stop-start match at the moment with neither side allowed to gain any sort of rhythm. Little under 20 minutes of the first period remaining in Stoke.

Good possession for the home side in the last couple of moments with Arsenal finding it difficult to keep hold of the ball, but we are still waiting for the first real opportunity of the contest. Referee Mike Jones is forced to stop play once more following an injury to Arnautovic, but the Stoke attacker is fit to continue.

Another positive moment for the home side as Whelan clips a long pass towards Walters, but once more the attacker had moved into an offside position. Arsenal are down the other end with Giroud moments later, but Wilson is across to clear. Moments later, Begovic collects a header from Giroud with relative ease.

Crouch attempts the spectacular as a loose ball falls to his feet inside the Arsenal box, but his effort rattles into the side netting. Stoke have looked the most likely in the opening 34 minutes, but it has been a fairly drab affair at the Britannia. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.

CHANCE! Finally a bit of quality from Arsenal as Rosicky finds some space outside the Stoke box before rolling in Podolski, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Poor from the German.

Neither manager looks particularly happy at the moment, but Hughes will be the more content with the opening 38 minutes at the Britannia. Arsenal have started to enjoy possession of the ball, but too often their final pass has been short of the required quality as another long Wilshere through ball asks too much from Giroud.

Poor from Whelan as the Stoke midfielder dives into a challenge with Giroud, catching the Frenchman in the process. However, the free kick goes the home side's way. Stoke are finding it more difficult to get out at the moment as Arsenal press high up the field, but still the quality in the final third is disappointing.

Wilshere has started to break forward from midfield in the last couple of moments, but twice in quick succession the England international fails to collect a through pass from Arteta. The high ball has been Stoke's best avenue thus far, but Mertesacker has been dominant in the air in the opening 42 minutes.

CHANCES! Much better from the home side as Shawcross finds Arnautovic, who cuts inside before rolling a pass towards Whelan, but his powerful effort is pushed wide by the Arsenal goalkeeper. Arsenal are down the other end moments later, but Cazorla strikes straight at Begovic from close range.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. In truth, very little has happened. Both had opportunities in the latter stages of the half, but neither has done enough to deserve to be leading at this stage of proceedings.

STATISTICS: Stoke have just about shaded the possession with 52%, but they have managed just two attempts - one of which has been on target. Arsenal, meanwhile, have hit the target twice in their five attempts. It has been a feisty half in terms of challenges, but referee Mike Jones has issued just the one yellow card, which arrived for Pieters for a late one on Giroud.

BENCH WATCH: Stoke have a number of attacking options on their bench this afternoon in the shape of Matthew Etherington, John Guidetti and Stephen Ireland. Meanwhile, Arsenal have the likes of Gnabry, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sanogo in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. In truth, the first half was poor. Let's hope for more action in this half. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be decisive. The home side get the action underway at the Britannia.

No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. Stoke have beaten Chelsea and Manchester United here this season. Will Arsenal join the list?

Early half-chance for the home side as Crouch's header finds N'Zonzi inside the Arsenal box, but the midfielder's header never had enough power to really worry the Arsenal stopper. Good start from the Potters.

CHANCE! Opportunity for Stoke as Cameron delivers a dangerous cross into the Arsenal box, but Crouch cannot make contact under pressure from Mertesacker, who manages to clear at the vital moment. Let's hope that this is a sign of things to come!

Unless my mind is like a goldfish, Giroud has not won a single aerial challenge this afternoon. It is surprising that Arsenal are so keen to force the long ball with both Shawcross and Wilson so strong in the air. Stoke have a half-chance as Crouch meets a cross from Walters, but his low effort whistles wide.

CHANCE! Rosicky becomes the second name to enter the book for a late challenge on Pieters down the Stoke left. The resulting set piece is delivered by Adam and met by Crouch, but the striker cannot make sufficient contact. He went with his foot when a header might have been a better option.

One thing is for certain - it is much more exciting than the first period. Arsenal have a sight of goal after Wilshere finds some space outside the box, but Adam is on hand to make a wonderful challenge. You just get the feeling that a goal is on the cards in the next few minutes. Little over 30 minutes of football to play.

End-to-end period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides committing numbers in the final third. We are getting to the stage of the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. Gibbs is down the left for Arsenal, but his cross is straight into the arms of Stoke goalkeeper Begovic.

Plenty happening in the middle of the park at the moment as the challenges continue to arrive, which is suiting Stoke as the crowd become more vocal. Both sides continue to commit numbers in the final third, but another long cross from Sagna is straight into the arms of the Stoke stopper. It remains goalless.

If Arsenal are to claim the title this season, you just get the feeling that these are the games that they need to win. Rivals Chelsea have taken the lead against Fulham, which makes this even more important. Another Arsenal attack comes to an end as the referee blows for a foul as Giroud jumps into the back of Pieters.

Poor from Giroud once more as the French forward crosses straight into the arms of Begovic from a wide position. Still no movement on either bench as the second period continues to gather pace. You just get the feeling that one goal could be enough to claim all the points. Little under 25 minutes of football remaining.

CHANCE! Another chance for the home side as Crouch meets a cross from Arnautovic, but Szczesny just turns his effort wide of the post. From the resulting corner, Cameron fires one wide of the crossbar after the ball had dropped into the area.

Arsenal make their first change of the match as Ozil enters the field in place of Podolski, who has struggled to influence proceedings this afternoon. Little over 20 minutes for the German international to make his mark.

It is not as if Stoke are bullying the Arsenal midfield at the moment, but their size is proving difficult for the away side. There are a number of players in the Arsenal XI that could do with a big tin of baked beans that is for certain. Giroud, meanwhile, continues to lose his physical battle with the Stoke back four.

Half-chance for the home side as Cameron combines with N'Zonzi before driving a low cross into the box, but Arteta is on hand to clear the danger. Arsenal break down the other end moments later with Wilshere, but once more the attack comes to an end. End-to-end football with 72 minutes on the clock at the Britannia.

Stoke make their first change of the match as Adam, who has been impressive this afternoon, is replaced by Ireland. Both managers have two permitted changes remaining. Still goalless in this Premier League contest.

Arsenal make their second change of the match as Oxlade-Chamberlain enters the field in place of Rosicky.

Oh my word! Stoke are awarded a penalty as Koscielny handles inside the box following pressure from Walters. What a moment this could be in the title race!

Walters steps up before slotting his effort into the bottom corner. Wow, what a final 15 minutes we have on our hands. Can Arsenal respond?!

Wonderful noise inside the stadium at the moment as Stoke keep hold of the possession. Chelsea are 3-1 ahead at Fulham, which makes this result more damaging for the away side. However, there is still a lot of football to be played in this match. Title challengers come back in games of this magnitude.

Is it going to be the same old story for Arsenal? In truth, they have been poor this afternoon, but they have players in their XI that could turn this match in a moment. The home supporters are in wonderful voice with 80 minutes on the clock at the Britannia Stadium.

Another Arsenal attack comes to an end as Giroud fails to collect a through pass from Ozil. The Gunners make their third and final change moments later as Sanogo replaces Wilshere, who is not best pleased with the decision. Time for someone to make themselves a hero!

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Arsenal as Ozil drops his shoulder on the edge of the box before flashing an effort across goal, but it just moves wide of the post. The Gunners are getting closer.

Opportunity for Arsenal to threaten from a free kick as Giroud is fouled on the edge of the box by Cameron. The resulting free kick is taken by Cazorla, but the Stoke back four are on hand to make the block. Brilliant defending from the Potters once more.

Another half-chance for the away side as Oxlade-Chamberlain drills a low cross towards Giroud, but his effort is poor and Crouch is on hand to make the block. One-way traffic at the moment, but the Gunners just cannot find a way through this stern defence.

Stoke make their second change of the match as Etherington enters the field in place of Arnautovic, who has been impressive this afternoon. Is there to be late drama at the Britannia?

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional five minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. It is going to be a long three minutes for the home side, who continue to resist each long ball into the box.

The one-way traffic continues as Arsenal flood the Stoke box with numbers, but they just cannot find a way through. You can just sense the nerves inside the stadium, but Begovic comes to claim a deep cross from Gibbs, which takes more pressure off his defence. Stoke are almost there.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Arsenal to level as Oxlade-Chamberlain cuts a cross towards Sanogo, who is all alone in the Stoke box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Incredible!

So there we have it. Stoke pick up all three points courtesy of that penalty from Walters. What a moment that could be in the title race. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for all the reaction. Good afternoon!