Premier League: Arsenal vs Cardiff preview

Dec 31, 2013
Premier League: Arsenal vs Cardiff preview
League leaders Arsenal will host struggling Cardiff City at the Emirates on New Year's Day, a perfect opportunity for the Gunners to consolidate their place at the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal clinched a crucial win at Newcastle last weekend thanks to an Olivier Giroud goal. The three points put the Gunners back at the top of the table but there are just two points separating them from third-placed Chelsea and just one point from second-placed Manchester City. Arsene Wenger should field an unchanged defensive line, with Mertesacker and Koscielny pairing up in the middle while Gibbs and Sagna should take the flanks. Aaron Ramsey will miss this match as well though due to a thigh injury while Mesut Ozil might also be out with a shoulder issue that kept him sidelined last weekend. Lukas Podolski is fit again though and he will probably play on the left wing, with Cazorla as a central attacking midfielder. Olivier Giroud will surely start up front, at least until Arsenal buy another striker in the January transfer window. Cardiff are in poor shape, especially after the controversial sacking of manager Malky Mackay, a move that sparked protests among the fans. Cardiff's last victory over Arsenal came in February 1961, although the two sides have only met 12 times since. Here are the odds for Wednesday's match at Bet365: Arsenal win - 1/4 Draw - 11/2 Cardiff win - 14/1
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