Sat 30 Nov 2013 15:00 – Cardiff v Arsenal (Cardiff City Stadium)

Referee: Lee Mason

Cardiff have already played five of the top eight teams at home this season and have lost just two of those games. The only team outside of that group to visit the Cardiff City Stadium has been Swansea, and they were defeated by a single goal. Arsenal have only lost one of their last ten premier League away games and that was the recent defeat to Manchester United.

Arsenal seem to be coping well without Gibbs, Miyaichi, Podolski, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Diaby who are all injured, and Flamini will be available after suspension. Cardiff have an injury-free squad to choose from.

Cardiff score and concede an average of 1.2 goals per game while Arsenal score an average of 1.8 and concede and average of 0.8 goals per game. 50% of the respective games between these teams result in fewer than 2.5 goals so this market does not provide any value.

Cardiff have pulled a few surprises at home already this season having beaten Manchester City and drawn with Manchester United and Everton. However, Arsenal’s away record has been strong for a while now; the only blemish being the slack performance at Old Trafford. Arsene Wenger will have Mathieu Flamini available for this game and the holding midfielder could be the key to controlling this game for the Gunners. Cardiff have the ability to score a goal in this game but it would be a surprise if they managed to shut out an Arsenal attack that has scored in 17 out of the last 18 Premier League away matches.

Match prediction: Cardiff City 1-2 Arsenal and over 2.5 goals

Recommended bookmaker are Bet365 for a great bonus and Betfair for best odds.

 

 

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