Giroud out, Podolski in? Arsenal and Cardiff predicted line-ups and stats preview

The Premier League is now nineteen games in, which means everyone has played everyone. Arsenal only recently travelled to Cardiff where they made short work of the Welsh side in a 3-0 win. The Gunners will be hoping for a similar score line on New Years day, whilst the managerless Cardiff City will hope the Gunners are having a rare off day. With injury troubles though, Arsenal will be weakened and could be there for the taking.

Team News

Arsenal

Laurent Koscielny is back fit, but Aaron Ramsey has been ruled out with a thigh injury. Mesut Ozil is likely to miss out following a shoulder injury. Gibbs is out with a calf problem, whlist Walcott, Wilshere, Rosicky and Vermaelen are all also doubts.

Cardiff

Andrew Taylor has a knock, whilst Craig Bellamy continues to be sidelined by a knee injury. Besides this, Cardiff have a full squad to pick from.

Possible Line-Up’s

Arsenal

Gibbs is likely to be a forced changed following an injury he picked up against Newcastle, whilst Lukas Podolski could make his first start since returning from injury. Monreal could come in at left-back but is also a doubt, so Flamini could deputise there. However, Sagna can also play at left-back, and Jenkinson could come in on the right. Giroud has been ruled out, so Bendtner could start, or Podolski perhaps through the middle.

Possible Arsenal XI

Cardiff

A similar team that started against Sunderland should be expected. There is no news of any injuries and in the first 80 minutes of that game, Cardiff were very impressive. Jordon Mutch has been on good form lately and should keep his place ahead of Gunnarsson.4-5-1: Marshall; Theophile-Catherine, Caulker, Turner, John; Noone, Mutch, Bo-Kyung, Medel, Whittingham; Campbell

Predicted Cardiff XI

Recent Form:

With two away wins over West Ham and Newcastle, Arsenal have returned to the summit of the Premier League. Their form was a concern before these two fixtures, having lost to Manchester City and failing to beat Everton and Chelsea at home. While Cardiff threw away a two goal lead against Sunderland at the weekend and have won just once in their last nine league games.

Players to Watch

Arsenal – Serge Gnabry

With so many players ruled out injured, Serge Gnabry could be given a start, and if not, is likely to be used from the bench. The young German has impressed so far when given a chance in the league. His unpredictable nature makes him hard to defend against, drawing many fouls and even winning a penalty against Crystal Palace. He scored his first league goal in an away game against Swansea to help give Arsenal a vital three points.

Cardiff – Jordon Mutch

After an inconsistent start to the season, Mutch has won his place in the Cardiff eleven and is looking more impressive with each game. In his last appearance against Sunderland, Mutch was extremely impressive. He scored one and assisted another, but also completed 81% of his passes, 11% higher than his season average. Winning four out of his five headed duels, Mutch demonstrated his strength in the air. Cardiff will need Mutch to be in this kind of form in order to get anything from the game.

Prediction

After a little blip, Arsenal appear to be back to their best. Cardiff are far from it, and it is hard to see past a win for the Gunners on New Years Day. Even without Ozil, Ramsey and others, Arsenal have a plethora of talent in midfield to overcome a wounded Cardiff side. Cardiff will not lay down though and will be boosted by the news that several of Arsenal’s match winners are going to be sidelined for the game.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Cardiff