Preview: Arsenal's injuries should not stop them from keeping the top spot
A bad stretch of matches before Christmas had Arsenal's critics out in full force. The claim that their title aspirations were not valid, as in previous years was the main talking point. But a come from behind victory against West Ham, and a hard fought three points at St. James Park has the Gunners top of the table.
They now go into their New Year's Day match against Cardiff City feeling good about themselves, but with a few injuries.
Olivier Giroud will not take part in Wednesday's match due to an ankle injury. Kieran Gibbs is also likely to miss out with a calf injury. Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky picked up slight knocks against Newcastle, but it appears they should be fit to play.
Without their French striker, Arsene Wenger is going to be forced to change his game plan.
He could opt to start Nicklas Bendtner, or he also has the option of Theo Walcott and even Lukas Podolski. Both can play a central role, with Podolski and Walcott offering more pace, while Bendtner will bring more physicality in front of goal.
Despite their injuries, the Gunners will have full confidence in coming out on top against Cardiff. The visitors have been struggling on and off the pitch, while the North London side has also not lost a New Year's Day match in 29 years.
Vicent Tan's relationship with the fans started to get rocky when he altered the club's colors from blue to red. After sacking Malky Mackay, the wealthy owner will head into the New Year on the naughty list.
In their first match after Mackay's dismissal, the Bluebirds took an early lead against Sunderland. The fans appeared to have put their frustrations aside, but after taking a two goal lead, Cardiff gave up their lead in the final seconds of the match.
A draw did not please the Cardiff fans, and they now face another tough fixture at the Emirates.
Cardiff will be without Craig Bellamy, who has been struggling with a knee injury. With or without the veteran striker, the visitors could see themselves fall into the relegation zone if they are to leave London without any points.
Where to watch this match - Live Stream, Start Time, TV Channels, Live Scores
Watch Arsenal vs Cardiff City live on Wednesday, January 1, 2014:
In Canada at 10:00 ET on: RDS 2, TalkSport Radio, TSN2
In the UK at 15:00 BST on: Arsenal Player
In the USA at 10:00 ET on: NBC Sports Live Extra, Premier League Extra Time, TalkSport Radio, DirecTV
For full TV listings of this New Years Day EPL fixture, please visit the Arsenal vs Cardiff City match page.
