Stoke City-Arsenal Preview: Can Wenger boys show consistency?

Thegoalmac can reveal that Arsene Wenger has urged his players to show the progress they have made ahead of Arsenal's trip to Stoke City on Saturday.

Arsenal secured their third consecutive victory in all competitions with a 1-0 Premier League win over Southampton on Wednesday, although the Gunners looked on course for a draw until Alexis Sanchez's close-range strike in the 89th minute.

That victory moved Arsenal back up to sixth in the table and the Gunners are now attempting to register a first win at the Britannia Stadium since February 2010.

"It is a very important period but one thing is for sure - we are not under huge pressure for game number six in the Champions League," said Wenger.

"The week we had behind us and the week we have now, to go to Galatasaray for a decisive game would be very difficult.

"At least we are not under massive pressure there so let's focus on our next game at Stoke. It is a difficult place for us to go but let's show there that we have improved and we can deal with it."

As well as Alexis being in fine form ahead of the game against Stoke, Wenger will also be buoyed by the fact that his side have not conceded a goal in their last three games.

Stoke, by contrast, have suffered three defeats in a row - but Mark Hughes holds no fears about facing Arsenal.

"Historically you struggle at certain grounds or against certain opponents - every team does. Over the years we've made it difficult for Arsenal to play their game,” said the Stoke manager.

"We're a different team now but we can still compete. After going up against Liverpool and Manchester United we certainly won't fear Arsenal.

"We'll need to be very good and we know it's difficult but we'll make it difficult for Arsenal and they'll understand that."

Hughes will leave it late before deciding whether Jonathan Walters, who scored the only goal of the game in the corresponding fixture last season, and Robert Huth will play any part.

Walters missed the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on Tuesday with a knee problem, while Huth has been ruled out since October due to a calf injury.

Stephen Ireland (illness) also faces a battle to be fit, while Glenn Whelan (calf) could miss out again.

It remains to be seen if forward Theo Walcott (groin) and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny (hip) are available to return to the Arsenal squad.