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TEAM: My Preferred Starting Line-Up To Play Cardiff

By on December 30, 2013

Arsenal kick off the new calendar year as they welcome Cardiff City to the Emirates on New Years Day.

We start the new year sitting top of the Premier League and victory over the Welsh outfit will ensure it stays that way following the first round of fixtures in 2014.

Arsene Wenger has once again hinted that Olivier Giroud could be rested and I think this could be the game he finally decides to do it. Nicklas Bendtner is likely to be the man to start up top as I’d like to see Lukas Podolski given his first start in over four months on the left.

Poldi looked sharp when he came on to turn the game in our favour against West Ham last weekend and after not featuring against the Geordies, he should get some minutes under his belt against Cardiff.

Kieran Gibbs wasn’t at his best against Newcastle on Sunday so perhaps Nacho Monreal could get a start at left-back if he’s recovered from sickness, but otherwise the back five should remain unchanged.

Mikel Arteta is likely to be recalled having missed out at St James’ Park while Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere should get another chance to impress after disappointing outings last time out.

Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil will miss the clash through injuries and join Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Yaya Sanogo and Abou Diaby on the sidelines.

Here’s the team I’d like to see face Cardiff:

This side has more than enough quality to see off a manager-less Cardiff side at the Emirates. It’s well balanced and the creativity and threat of Walcott, Cazorla and Podolski should compensate for Bendtner starting up front – although I wouldn’t bet against the Dane grabbing a goal if he does end up starting.

Agree with my team? What team would you start?

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