Arsenal FC are looking to square their record before they head into the international break, and get that second victory to balance out the two losses. They’ll be on the road at Cardiff City FC on Sunday, taking on a side with very different ambitions and expectations than the north London club.
For the Welsh club, this season is about just staying up in the top flight.
Let’s take a look at the injury and fitness situation for both sides.
For Arsenal, Laurent Koscielny remains a long term absentee (Achilles) while Sead Kolasinac (knee), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (small fracture to his left fibula) and Carl Jenkinson (ankle) won’t be available for selection by manager Unai Emery either. The big news here however, is the expected return of Mesut Ozil.
The German international should provide a fitness boost to Emery, who is leading Arsenal out of the tunnel for just the fourth time. Flipping over to Cardiff City, they are dealing with some injury issues right now.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is out for three months due to ligament damage in his knee. Junior Hoilett has been sidelined for the past two weeks with a groin injury, but he could be ready in time.
Iceland international Aron Gunnarsson (knee injury) won’t be returning to action until after the international break.
Kickoff Time: 1.30 p.m. BST, Sunday, Sept 2
Arsenal starting XI Prediction, Team News: go to this link
Prediction: Arsenal 4, Cardiff City 2
Arsenal are on the right track, but man, do they still have plenty of room for improvement. Getting the first win of the Emery era last weekend was huge, and now it’s time for them to start building some momentum.
Going against an injury plagued and recently promoted side provides a tremendous opportunity for obtaining another win.
Feel free to post your own Cardiff and/or Arsenal starting XI predictions, as well as your final score predictions. Enjoy the match everyone!
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, is currently a regular contributor to SB Nation, WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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