Theo Walcott
(Reuters) Reuters

Arsenal take on Cardiff City on New Year's Day at the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners look to keep their position at the top of the table.

Where to Watch Live

Kick-Off is set for 3 pm GMT. Highlights of the game will be available on BBC Match of the Day from 10:50 GMT on BBC One.

Overview

Arsenal have managed to bounce back after a series of discomfiting set of fixtures which saw them go on a winless run for four games on the trot. The Gunners ground out wins against the likes of West Ham at Upton Park followed by a difficult trip away to Newcastle United. Against Sam Allardyce's side, the Gunners came back from being a goal down to win 3-1 with a brace from Theo Walcott and the winner from Lukas Podolski.

The north London club showed their title credentials yet again when they took on Newcastle at St James' Park and in spite of missing key payers in the form of Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil, Arsenal beat the Tyneside club by virtue of a set piece, something which would not be associated to the Gunners in recent years.

Olivier Giroud got his name into the scoresheet but will be unavailable for this game after picking up an ankle injury in their last game, paving way for Nicklas Bendtner to shine through.

Meanwhile, Cardiff come into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw against Bottom placed Sunderland. The Welsh club were leading the game 2-0, late into the game but conceded two goals in the last seven minutes to come back with only a point. The two teams have already met in the Premier League in Wales, with the Gunners winning the contest 3-0 with local boy Aaron Ramsey scoring a brace.

What the Managers Say

Arsene Wenger: "On the injury front, you need to have a good memory because we have got plenty of problems,' he said. 'Our (Tuesday) training session will be more like a medical check to see who is available. We've had two intense periods, plus we have played eight Champions League games since the start of the season. We played on Monday against Chelsea and all the other teams played Saturday. We played Monday, Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday. Our game at Newcastle was an intense game (for its) physical challenges."

David Kerslake: "I don't feel it is my side. I am going there and doing the job the club have asked me to do. Of course it is something I am looking forward to. They could field three teams with world-class individuals so I don't think injuries will be any challenge to their manager. But we have gone up against top sides and got a result. We will take a game plan and we will be OK.

Form Guide

Arsenal

  • Form Guide(all competitions, most recent first): W W D L L
  • Last Result: Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

Cardiff City

  • Form Guide(all competitions, most recent first): D L L W L
  • Last Result: Cardiff 2-2 Sunderland

Team News

Arsenal

  • Injured: Olivier Giroud (ankle), Kieran Gibbs (calf), Nacho Monreal(illness), Thomas Vermaelen (illness), Aaron Ramsey (thigh), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain(knee), Abou Diaby (knee), Yaya Sanogo (back), Mesut Ozil(shoulder)
  • Doubtful: N/A
  • Suspended: N/A

Probable Line-Up: Szczseny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Jenkinson; Flamini, Arteta; Walcott, Cazorla, Gnabry; Podolski.

Cardiff City

  • Injured: Craig Bellamy (knee), Andrew Taylor (unspecified).
  • Doubtful: N/A
  • Suspended: N/A

Probable Line-Up: Marshall; Theophile-Catherine, Caulker, Turner, John; Noone, Kim, Mutch, Whittingham; Odemwingie, Campbell.