Scouting Report: Arsenal v Stoke

Before every Arsenal fixture, we’ll bring you a Scouting Report on the Gunners’ next opponents.

Arsène Wenger's side host Stoke City in the Premier League on Saturday. To find out more, we asked tactical expert Michael Cox.

MICHAEL COX

There's been plenty of discussion about Stoke's change in approach under Mark Hughes, although we're now past the 'evolution' period and now simply accustomed to Stoke playing good football.

The summer signing of Xherdan Shaqiri seems a watershed moment - Stoke are now attracting genuinely top-class attackers.

The concern so far this season, however, has been the defence. Without dependable captain Ryan Shawcross, out injured, Stoke have failed to keep a clean sheet, with new first-choice goalkeeper Jack Butland somewhat overworked.

This is arguably the major drawback with Hughes' approach - by being more attack-minded, the defence are afforded less protection, whereas under Tony Pulis the side was very compact.

Hughes has named a consistent defensive unit in all four matches this season. Marc Muniesa, a good distributor, has played alongside the more rugged Geoff Cameron, who is enjoying a run in a regular position having previously been considered a jack of all trades.

They've also been exposed more because Hughes gives both full backs license to push forward, in turn allowing the wide midfielders into more central attacking positions. The signing of right back Glen Johnson was another statement of intent, and while capable of overlapping he also has a tendency to cut inside and shoot with his left foot.

Hughes has used a 4-1-4-1 system so far this season, and seems unlikely to deviate from that approach against Arsenal. Glenn Whelan has been the midfielder sitting in front of the defence, holding his position, allowing his midfield colleagues to push forward into attack, and keeping his passing extremely simple.

To the right of the midfield trio, Chelsea loanee Marco van Ginkel will shuttle forward into attack and is talented on the ball. With both Charlie Adam and Ibrahim Afellay suspended, Hughes has a decision to make about his third midfielder. He may be tempted to use the sporadically brilliant Stephen Ireland, although Steve Sidwell would offer more defensive qualities.

Out wide, Stoke boast some real stars: Shaqiri is a clever dribbler, will cut inside onto his left foot, and can shoot from range. On the left, Marko Arnautovic is a quick, aggressive attacker who is excellent on the counter-attack. There are alternative options here - Peter Odemwingie is very dangerous on the break, while Jon Walters offers a more physical threat from the right.

Up front, Mame Biram Diouf has been a regular this season, with two goals in four matches, and is excellent at running the channels.

Peter Crouch offers a very different option, although £5.75m summer signing Joselu appears to have been signed to play the same role. Whatever Hughes' selection up front, Stoke have tremendous attacking options, and are capable of playing in a number of ways.