Arsenal vs Stoke: Mark Hughes admits 'it isn't a good time to play the Gunners' with Arsene Wenger's side on top form

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James Benge9 December 2016

Mark Hughes admits that Stoke have not got the best timing as they look to end a 35 year run without a victory away to in-form Arsenal.

Though the Gunners often struggle on their visits to the Bet365 Stadium they enjoy a far easier ride when they host Stoke, whose last victory at north London came in 1981. In eight Premier League games at the Emirates the Potters have not claimed a point.

It may be tough to end that losing streak this weekend with Arsenal on fine form heading into the weekend. Arsene Wenger’s side have scored nine goals in their last two games and are unbeaten in the Premier League since the opening weekend.

Hughes is under no illusions and confessed that Saturday “isn’t a good time to play them”. However he hopes his side, who have lost just one of their last nine, can repeat the heroics that have seen them claim away wins at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge in recent years.

"We are going into the game on Saturday, against one of the top teams, full of confidence, and we are in the best place we could be in," he said.

"We don't have a great record there and we would love to change that at the weekend. It will be tough but we are in a good place.

"We had a similar record at Old Trafford and we went there, played well and earned a point. Now it’s time we did something at Arsenal.

"Arsenal, as a team, look in good shape and whilst we have a lot of confidence, given their form too, it isn't a good time to play them.

"It's important for us to give ourselves an opportunity to get something out of the game, we need to stay in the match and frustrate them."

Hughes will be able to welcome defender Bruno Martins Indi back into the side on Saturday but his centre-back partner Ryan Shawcross is still sidelined with a calf problem.

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