Premier League: Arsene Wenger says Arsenal do not fear Stoke City players or fans
Manager arsenal Arsene Wenger believes that his team are not afraid of Stoke City and will not be intimidated by their fans at the Britannia Stadium.
Bad blood between the teams has been present since Captain potters Ryan Shawcross broke the leg of Gunners star Aaron Ramsey in 2010. Wenger also compared style of game under former boss Tony Pulis Stoke rugby.
Shawcross content the game Thursday, stating that "dislike" of Arsenal supporters will lead to a 'tasty game' at the Britannia Stadium. Wenger feels that the game could do without such comments.
"I think that (claim of the Shawcross) is exaggerated", said the 65. "It's a football match, this is not a game of hatred.
"Stoke is still difficult and very committed to go somewhere, but we are preparing to be at the level of our commitment and to dictate the way we want to play. The most important thing is do not forget how we play our game.
"They have a bit of a different style (under new Manager Mark Hughes), but against us, it's still a very committed game anyway. ''
Wenger added: "we are in a job where you have risk. The physical risk is part of our work, we accept this.
"What you want is to go to a game with everyone being 100% committed, but fair. After, you agree that any accident may occur.
"You don't want to have suspicion before the start of the match, which is not very good."
Arsenal have some injury problems before their trip to Brittany. Nacho Monreal suffered ligament damage ankle early against the Saints and could be out for a few weeks. The central defender Laurent Koscielny will be also evaluated on his inflamed Achilles.
Wenger is worried about the fitness of striker Alexis Sanchez, claiming the Chilean is in the 'red zone' and should be handled with caution on the busy Christmas schedule.
"Unfortunately you never know how far you can push (a player). "We are not enough science to predict that completely, but it has great potential, recovery", said Wenger.
"He recovers very quickly, is still strong and wants to play.
"Alexis has a huge desire, no complex and has an attitude of combat that means even when it misses something it doesn't affect him. ''
"He is very mobile, very determined and it has the feeling of being in the right place in the area."
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