Cardiff City vs. Arsenal: Preview from the Ninian

Cardiff City host Arsenal at the CCS in what pessimists say is a game we’ve already lost – while the optimists think could cause an upset. The Gunners are still getting to grips with Emery’s new way of playing while Cardiff were dealt a sobering defeat in the Carabao on Tuesday. So the stage is set for an intriguing encounter on Sunday…

Cardiff City vs. Arsenal
Premier League
Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
2nd September 2018, 1:30pm (BST)
Referee: Anthony Taylor

Cardiff City’s expected starting XI…And three things to look out for…

With NML out for three months (I do really feel sorry for him; he deserved his chance at this level), Warnock will be looking at what he can do on the wings. All of a sudden, we are left a bit short on the flanks with Hoilett’s fitness for Sunday not 100% guaranteed. Warnock’s decision to keep Kadeem in his squad ahead of Tomlin looks like a good choice at this stage but could he put Reid in ahead of him? I want to see Reid play up top (even though he’s not a natural striker) because I think one player, in particular, could benefit from having someone alongside him…

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Zohore came in for a bit of criticism last weekend but I’d expect him to retain his place this week. Ward looked good when he came on but Zohore is our best striker on his day. I understand the frustration with Big Ken but I truly believe the system we play just doesn’t help him. He’s a striker who likes to get down the channels, run onto the balls, and bring others into play. He’s not an out and out target man – though he can be effective at that. If Reid does get the nod alongside him, I would hope we play more effectively to Zohore’s strengths and bring out the best side of his game.

While I expect that team to start, I do wonder if Warnock set out his team to be a bit more defensive. Arsenal are the first team we’ve played this season (no offence to Huddersfield, Newcastle, or Bournemouth) who have genuine world class players in their side. With players like Ozil, Aubameyang, Lacazette and, of course, Ramsey in contention to play, our defensive line will have their hands full. Warnock could stick with the same set-up as the last few games but there may be a twist as well.

Arsenal players to watch out for

Where does one begin? Arsenal’s front four last week was Mkhitaryan, Iwobi, Ramsey, and Aubameyang. Ozil didn’t even make it into the squad, Lacazette was on the bench. So let’s highlight two players here:

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Aaron Ramsey is well-known to Cardiff fans as he’s one of us. Probably the best player to come from the Cardiff youth ranks, Ramsey divides Arsenal fans as much as he unites Wales fans. He’s a real threat through the middle and can score as well as he creates. Our midfield are going to have to be alert to his late surges into the box and they’ll need to be well-disciplined to keep him quiet.

Granit Xhaka. Now this isn’t a player to watch out for as much as a battle to monitor. Xhaka is known for a rash tackle here, a mistimed one there and against Harry Arter, I’m expecting a couple of really tasty challenges to be flying around. Every challenge Arter puts in is full-blooded and he won’t shy away from Granit at all.

Best Case Result?

With Arsenal getting to grips with Emery’s new system, they are still somewhat Jekyll and Hyde in the way they play. Against Chelsea they were equally as powerful in attack as they were chaotic in defence. Their away form is a cause for concern and with a raucous atmosphere expected from a sell-out crowd at the CCS, they could wilt under the pressure. Warnock will be demanding a big performance from his team and if we start well, something we aren’t best known for, we could come away with a 2-0 win.

Worst case result?

Arsenal’s attacking prowess is…scary. Sure, they’ve been getting to grips with a new system but Emery is no slouch and neither are his players. Against Chelsea, they could have scored five goals. Against West Ham, they could have done the same. Indeed, they made a team who’d spent a fair amount of cash in the summer look pretty ordinary. So I’m a little nervous that this week could be when they click properly and come away with a big result. It could be 3 or 4-nil.

Let us know in the comments below or tweet us at @VFTNinian.

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