TEAM: My Preferred Starting Line-Up To Play Cardiff

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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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9 Comments

1. 

   huffs & bluffs

   December 30, 2013 at 7:31 pm

   No, bendtner won’t be playing,
   As he should be busy packing his bag’s.
   I hope.

   Reply
   • 

     Saturday celestine

     December 30, 2013 at 8:28 pm

     That’s too harsh on NB 52. D best denmark stricker. He need some game 2 pick up again.

     Reply
2. 

   Peter

   December 30, 2013 at 7:42 pm

   I don’t Care Who Starts,all that Is QUALITY…

   Reply
3. 

   ogban

   December 30, 2013 at 8:29 pm

   After the FA cup tie with Spurs, there is a clear nine days before the next game. Let’s field the best against Cardiff. No messing around please.

   Reply
4. 

   @babakrdaemi

   December 30, 2013 at 8:44 pm

   I think the 11 is perfect. Giroud is tired and not playing at his best. I would play that forward line and have as strong a bench as possible. And for spurs swap theo for gnarby and niki for Giroud. Hopefully Ozil and the ox can feature v the spuds as well.

   Reply
5. 

   suprime@007

   December 30, 2013 at 10:45 pm

   Best line up let wenger give others a chance to showcase their qualities

   Reply
6. 

   juhel007

   December 30, 2013 at 11:38 pm

   dt wil also b my best 11 4 d game, let support dem. all we nid is 3points

   Reply
7. 

   awwalkoki

   December 31, 2013 at 1:52 am

   Gunners 4 life

   Reply
8. 

   robert amoko

   December 31, 2013 at 12:27 pm

   it will better if you can give a chance for poldi to start the game.

   Reply