The Gunners are now 11 points adrift of the Blues following the defeat and sit in fourth place.
The midweek 3-0 Carling Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester City - albeit with a much-changed and youthful side - has hardly done wonders for their confidence either.
Stoke are arguably over-achieving so far this term as they sit in ninth place in the Premier League table and boss Tony Pulis will know his side are not expected to leave Emirates Stadium with a result.
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However, the last time they played in the capital they sensationally beat Arsenal's main rivals Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 thanks to a stunning effort from Glenn Whelan late in the day.
This could give Pulis' men some inspiration and the difference between Arsenal's flair and fluency compared to Stoke's industrious and hard-working ethic could make for an interesting affair.
Wenger has injury problems with several players already ruled out of action.
Robin van Persie could be missing for around five months after ankle surgery while young full-back Kieran Gibbs (fractured metatarsal) is also sidelined for some time.
Abou Diaby (calf), Gael Clichy (back), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Johan Djourou (knee) will all miss the weekend clash.
Stoke's Dean Whitehead will miss the trip through suspension following his fifth booking of the season in Saturday's goalless draw at Blackburn Rovers last weekend.
Ryan Shawcross faces a late fitness after after leaving the action in the second half of the same game with a groin injury. Long-term absentee Amdy Faye (back) remains out.
Arsenal demolished Stoke 4-1 on the final day of last season following an exceptional first-half showing.
Goals from James Beattie (og), van Persie (pen) and Diaby put the hosts firmly in the driving seat before the Potteries outfit reduced the deficit thanks to Ricardo Fuller (pen).
Source: DSG
