Arsenal

Cardiff City vs Arsenal: Statistical Preview, Form Guide & Injury News

Arsenal take on Cardiff City in Wales on Saturday looking to extend their lead at the top. Here is a statistical preview including form guide and injury news.

by
Barrie's View
November 29, 2013

Arsenal’s second trip to Wales this season will see the league leaders looking to make it two wins out of two after winning 2-1 at Swansea City at the end of September. Cardiff City come into this game off the back of a 2-2 home draw against Manchester United and have beat Manchester City at home this season.

The Gunners were 2-0 winners over Olympique Marseille midweek which puts them on the verge of qualification into the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. This will be their fourth consecutive Premier League away game following a Champions League group stage game this season.

Cardiff City’s late earned point at home to the defending champions last weekend saw the newly-promoted side extend their lead over the bottom three to 3 points, with four of the bottom five all suffering defeat.

Form

Cardiff City DLWDL

Cardiff City’s sole win in their last nine Premier League matches came in the home match with Swansea City at the start of the month. A 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United should also be classed as a good result for last season’s Championship winners, but they have been shut out by both Norwich City and Aston Villa recently.

Fraizer Campbell scored the first equaliser for the home side last weekend – his first goal since a brace in a 3-2 home victory over Manchester City in Cardiff’s first-ever home Premier League fixture. The former Manchester United striker is the club’s top scorer with these three goals, all at home.

Record signing Andreas Cornelius made his return last weekend as he looks to settle into the English game following a move from Denmark in the summer. Malky Mackay has been blessed with a lack of injuries to start the season.

Arsenal WLWWW

Arsenal bounced back from a loss at Manchester United to beat Southampton 2-0 last weekend, becoming the first side to put more than one goal past the Saints this season. They matched the scoreline midweek with a comfortable win over Olympique Marseille in the Champions League; the French opponents seemingly accepting defeat after Jack Wilshere’s goal in the opening minute.

Olivier Giroud was gifted the opener last weekend by Southampton goalkeeper Artue Boruc. The French striker scored his 7th Premier League goal of the season by way of a late penalty to secure all 3 points for the Gunners.

Theo Walcott has returned to strengthen Arsène Wenger’s side, but Lukas Podolski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Abou Diaby and Yaya Sanogo all remain absent.