Arsenal will look to capitalise on their victory against West Ham and build a winning momentum when they travel to Cardiff City Stadium to face Cardiff City on Sunday.
The Gunners picked up a 3:1 win over the Hammers which was also Unai Emery’s first win as the Arsenal boss.
Cardiff City will also be eager to put in a competent performance, having failed to secure a single victory thus far this season. After securing only two points in their three Premier League matches, the Bluebirds were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Norwich City in midweek.
Unai Emery will be without the services of some of his star players with Sead Kolasinac and Laurent Koscielny out with injuries. Carl Jenkinson and the young Ainsley-Mainland Niles are also out while Mesut Ozil is doubtful.
The former German international missed the game against West Ham last week due to illness, which could prolong his absence this week as well.
Defence
Petr Cech will be once again be given the nod ahead of new signing Bernd Leno. The Czech Republic international made four saves against West Ham but is yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
Emery won’t have any reason to make any changes to the side that won the London derby last week. Thus, the back-four will comprise of Hector Bellerin, Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis and Nacho Monreal.
The fullbacks Monreal and Bellerin both had a part to play in a goal apiece with Nacho scoring the equaliser in the first half while Bellerin assisted Danny Welbeck’s late goal in injury-time.
Midfield
Matteo Guendouzi hasn’t made a bad impression since making his debut against Manchester City and therefore, could once again be given the nod ahead of Lucas Torreira in central midfield. The Frenchman will be partnered by Granit Xhaka, who attained an impressive pass accuracy of 88% against West Ham.
Further up front, Aaron Ramsey could be deployed as the lone number ten and deputise for Mesut Ozil.
Attack
Arsenal’s attack will be led by Alexandre Lacazette with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan starting on the wider positions. Having both Aubameyang and Lacazette on the pitch at the same time has worked wonders for Unai Emery so far and it’s only natural to think that the Spaniard could opt to start them together this weekend.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
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