Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere
Wilshere's return will be a big boost for the Arsenal squad. Reuters

Second-place Arsenal host Stoke City at Emirates Stadium in a Premier League matchup.

A win today for the Gunners will put them within one point of Manchester United.

Manager Arsene Wenger will be without star Dutch forward Robin Van Persie (hamstring) and French defender Laurent Koscielny (back), though neither injury is considered serious.

Stoke have two players sidelined with injuries: Mamady Sidibé (Achilles) and Abdoulaye Faye (hamstring). Also, Matthew Etherington is questionable for the match due to a back injury.

The Potters are in 10th place in the standings, but they are only six points above the relegation zone.

The Gunners are coming off a demoralizing tie against Leyton Orient on Sunday, but were without their regular starters.

Arsenal have not been dominate at home. At Emirates Stadium, the Gunners have already lost three times, but are facing a Stoke side that have struggled on the road. In 13 Premier League matches, the Potters have won only three, and tied one.

There is a bit of bad blood between the two managers. Stoke manager Tony Pulis accused Wenger of moaning like a drain'' in December 2009, when the Arsenal manager complained of playing teams that had more favorable rest schedules, and of managers who made midweek changes to their starting lineup.

Wenger accused Stoke of playing rugby-style, and ripped defender Ryan Shawcross for his horrendous tackle that broke the leg of Aaron Ramsey in March.

The last time the Potters visited Emirates Stadium, Arsenal coasted to a 2-0 victory.

These two clubs will meet again on May 7 at Britannia Stadium.

POSSIBLE LINEUPS:

Arsenal (Possible, 4-2-3-1):

G: Szczesny

D: Sagna, Djourou, Squillaci, Clichy

M: Song, Wilshere; Walcott, Fabregas, Arshavin

F: Bendtner

Stoke City (Possible, 4-4-2):

G: Begovic;

D: Wilson, Huth, Shawcross, Pugh;

M: Pennant, Delap, Whitehead, Walters;

F: Carew, Jones