Our look at some of the crucial head-to-heads focuses on the attempts of Arsenal’s new centre-half to tame Peter Crouch as Stoke visit the Emirates. Elsewehere, Gareth Bale will fancy his chances against a makeshift full-back and Martin Petrov will be hoping to get the better of John O’Shea in a crucial Reebok showdown near the foot of the table.
Per Mertesacker vs Peter Crouch
Arsenal’s recent home league record of just 1 goal conceded in the last three games at the Emirates suggests a definite defensive improvement but the visit of Stoke will put this theory to the test. The Gunners know what to expect on Sunday afternoon- an aerial bombardment is on the cards, as Matthew Etherington and –if fit- Jermaine Pennant deliver crosses aplenty from out wide as the Potters look to find Peter Crouch with high balls into the box.
In Per Mertesacker, the Gunners may have the perfect deterrent. While Laurent Koscielny will be expected to deal with Jonathan Walters, the big German’s height and presence in the heart of the home side’s back-four could well be the perfect weapon to nullify Crouch’s aerial presence. Stoke have scored just two goals on their travels to date and whether this record is extended or bettered could well rest on the duel between the two giants.
Gareth Bale vs Jason Lowe
While his season has yet to really kick off, Bale’s trickery has caused untold problems for opposing right-backs so far this season. Recent games against Liverpool and Wigan have seen both Martin Skrtel and Steve Gohouri dismissed due to their inability to cope with the Welshman’s trickery. Spurs arrive at beleaguered Blackburn in strong form and with Michel Salgado ruled out today with a hamstring problem, Jason Lowe is expected drop back from midfield and go head to head with Bale instead.
Blackburn look up against it. Steve Kean’s side have conceded 7 goals in their last two Ewood Park encounters and while there’s a chance Bale may even be fielded on the right wing, Harry Redknapp could look to utilise his speed on his favoured left side against Lowe’s inexperience in the full-back position.
Martin Petrov vs John O’Shea
With both sides just one point off the bottom, Bolton’s Reebok clash with Sunderland is crucial this Saturday. Neither have made the most impressive start to the new campaign, with just one win apiece in the last six games. The hosts will be hoping they’ve turned the corner, after last week’s win at Wigan stopped a run of six straight defeats and Owen Coyle will be looking for some wing magic from Martin Petrov to prove decisive- it’ll be up to John O’Shea to put the brakes on the Bulgarian.
The Black Cats produced a spirited performance at the Emirates last week but the 2-1 defeat means Sunderland have conceded 2 goals in four of their last five Premier League games. Petrov has so far proved Bolton’s chief creator and if the Trotters’ revival is to pick up speed, his showdown with O’Shea looks key to bringing home the three points.
