Cardiff City vs Arsenal Premier League 30-11-2013

Cardiff City - Arsenal FC
2013/2014 English Premier League, Round 13
Date: Saturday 30 November 2013 - 16:00 CET - 4:00 PM CET
Stadium: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Referee: Lee Mason

It is quite logical when we remember that Cardiff only last season managed to be promoted in the Premier League and judging by so far shown parties, and especially those played at home, it is obvious that this time wants to stay longer in it. So, coach Mackay’s players have already this season scalped Manchester City in front of their fans and their great Wales’ rival, Swansea, while they drew 2-2 with the current champion, Manchester United, in the previous round. However, in this match they were quite lucky, since the equalizing goal was scored in the injury time by substitute Kim.

In this way, Cardiff continues to maintain three points advantage over teams that are in the relegation zone but for coach Mackay was much more important that they showed again their great fighting spirit and character, and therefore we expect that in this match with leading Arsenal don’t surrender easily. Regarding the team, still out of action are injured midfielder Conway and defenders Brayford and Connolly.

Probable lineups Cardiff: Marshall – Theophile-Catherine, Caulker, Tarner, Taylor – Medel, Mutch – Cowie, Whittingham, Odemwingie – Campbell

Arsenal sit 4 points clear of the rest and are coming off a 2-0 win over an odd-defying Southampton side. The Gunners are brimming with confidence and will be disappointed with anything but a victory here, despite the tough environment. Walcott has returned to the squad and Wilshere has returned to form-netting twice in their midweek Champions League win against Marseille. In addition, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 11 matches with Cardiff, and despite the illness of Gibbs and the absence of Podolski and Oxlade-Chamberlain, there should be ample opportunities for the Gunners to extend their Premier League lead with 3 more points.

Probable lineups Arsenal: Szczesny – Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs – Arteta, Wilshere – Ramsey, Ozil, Cazorla – Giroud.

Head-to-Head

Last Meeting: 16.02.2009, Arsenal - Cardiff 4:0
Wins Cardiff: 8
Wins Arsenal: 13
Draws: 12