Ryan Shawcross: 'Arsenal will be given hostile reception'

Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross has warned Arsenal that they should expect a hostile reception when they arrive at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Gunners have won just once in seven trips to the ground since the Potters were promoted in 2008, and Shawcross believes that his side will be back to their best after a 2-1 loss to Manchester United in midweek made it three successive defeats in the Premier League.

"The pressure is building for us to get some points, but it's Arsenal at home and our record is very good against them at the Brit," the centre-back told reporters.

"The fans dislike Arsenal so it's going to be a tasty game. Hopefully the atmosphere will be buzzing and we can get three points.

"If we play like we did at Manchester United or even better we can beat Arsenal. We've played well against the big teams and hopefully we can make the Britannia a fortress again."

Stoke are currently 13th, just three points above the relegation zone.