With just one loss in the last 8 and the latest 1-0 win against Newcastle putting Arsenal top of the table going into 2014, the Gunners will be firm favourites despite the depleted squad against a Cardiff side without a win in 3.
The Bluebirds – who play in red, of course – have become the laughing stock of the Premier League thanks to their nearly insane owner, Vincent Tan. The Malaysian businessman sacked manager Malky Mackay last week following his “resign or be sacked” ultimatum, leading to huge protests from the Cardiff supporters.
Cardiff’s run has been pretty awful on the pitch. With just 1 win in their last 9, they sit an uncomfortable 16th in the League.
Arsenal have been irresistible as usual, with the midfield clicking like a dream and just 1 goal conceded in the last 3.
Team news
Where to start with the Gunners’ injury list?
All 3 of the club’s top goalscorers are out through injury, leaving Nicklas Bendtner in line for another League start unless Lukas Podolski is deployed.
Mesut Ozil has a shoulder injury which saw him miss the win against Newcastle and will not recover in time for tomorrow’s game.
Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey has a thigh strain that needs resting, and has been ruled out of the entire Christmas period.
Olivier Giroud’s injury is likely to be the most significant, as the only worthy striker at the club currently. His ankle injury could leave the Great Dane to spearhead the attack.
Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky all face late fitness tests in a busy morning for the medical staff. Kieron Gibbs has a calf injury which will also be tested late. Rosicky has the same problem, Walcott a shoulder complaint and Wilshere an ankle injury.
Nacho Monreal and Thomas Vermaelen are both ill and so the real problem lies at left-back.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has expressed his anguish at sitting on the sidelines for an extended period, too:
“Being injured for near on 5 months makes you realise you can never take being fit and healthy for granted.......”
“Nevertheless, inspiring seeing the boys doing so well. Can't wait to return and hopefully make a good contribution in the new year #AFC”
Wenger’s wheeling-dealing
Because of Arsenal’s injury troubles recently, Wenger has not ruled out any more spending during the January transfer window:
"I have to see how I can balance the team because I have to consider as well who else is out and how can I get a balanced team out there," he said.
"We are like many clubs, we are certainly on alert if something special turns up we will not turn it down, but we are not as well desperate because we have a big depth in our squad," the Arsenal boss said.
"We have shown that because our midfield for example at West Ham and at Newcastle was completely different - we changed three players and we still managed to have a very strong team."
And the French boss has praised the contribution of 11-goal Olivier Giroud so far this season, for coping with the strain of being the club’s only senior striker for the majority:
"I believe we have to give him credit for one thing, that physically he has coped with it until now in a remarkable way and with a fantastic combative attitude.
"I don't know if we will do something or not (in January), but it is not to replace Olivier Giroud - we have a great confidence in Olivier Giroud."
Expected line-up
Szczesny; Sagna Koscielny Mertesacker Jenkinson; Arteta Flamini; Podolski Cazorla Walcott; Bendtner
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