Arsenal kick off the new year with a home game against a team battling relegation. Banker, right? If only there was such a thing in the Barclays Premier League. Despite Arsenal being heavy, heavy favourites, Arsene Wenger will have to ensure complacency doesn’t creep into the side that tops the table going into 2014.
Changes will be a plenty for the home side. Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Özil, Kieran Gibbs and last weeks match-winner, Olivier Giroud , are all out for the New Year’s Day clash. It is up to the players like Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla – both of whom haven’t had great seasons by their high standards – to deliver and secure the three points for Arsenal.
Cardiff come into the game with a new manager about to come in. Reports suggest Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to take over in Wales. He won’t be in the dugout for today’s game, but his presence will be there. The players will realise that their places are in danger and will be desperate to impress the new man. So, while Mackay’s sacking was sad to see, it will probably benefit the Bluebirds in the short-term, at least.
Arsenal should, and probably will, take the three points, but it will by no means be an easy game. The last time these two met, the Gunners prevailed as 3-0 winners, and Cardiff will be looking for retribution. Centre-back Steven Caulker will be fired up for the game, having come from Arsenal’s North London rivals, Spurs.
The biggest dilemma facing Arsene Wenger is choosing someone to fill the void left by Olivier Giroud. Lukas Podolski is probably the preferred choice among fans, but for me, the Frenchman is more likely to go with Nicklas Bendtner. He is more similar to Giroud, and won’t require the Gunners to significantly change their playing style.
To conclude, Arsenal should run out winners, but Cardiff will certainly give a good account of themselves. I’ll go with 3-1.
ARSENAL TO WIN 3-1 – 12/1: The Gunners will score goals. That’s a given. And despite their good defensive record this season, Cardiff have a lot of size and will be dangerous from set pieces. BET ON THIS MARKET.
SANTI CAZORLA TO BE THE HIGHEST RATED PLAYER ON WHOSCORED.COM – 7/1: Santi Cazorla has a little bit to prove, given Mesut Özil’s arrival. With the German out for a couple of weeks, Santi has a chance to really lead the attacking unit and will be at the heart of everything Arsenal do today. BET ON THIS MARKET.
HALF TIME / FULL TIME – DRAW/ARSENAL – 7/2: Arsenal may just struggle out of the gate. Cardiff will be fired up and looking not to concede. However, class should prevail and perhaps the Gunners will turn on the style in the second half. BET ON THIS MARKET.
