How Arsenal Will Line Up Against Cardiff, Including Opposition Preview

Arsenal look to cement their position at the top of the Premier League this Saturday when they travel to Wales for their first ever Premier League clash against Cardiff City.

Despite their position in the lower reaches of the division, it will be far from an easy trip for the Gunners. Cardiff have beaten Manchester City at home this season already, and earned a fully deserved draw with defending champions Manchester United last weekend.

However, after victory over high-flying Southampton last weekend and a win over Marseille in midweek, spirits will be high that the Gunners can cement their position at the top of the table.

Let's take a look at how the Gunners could line up this weekend, as well as taking a look at the opposition's key men. 

Cardiff's Season so Far

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As mentioned, the Bluebirds have caused one or two upsets in their debut season in the Premier League. Despite taking four points from the two Manchester clubs so far this season, Malky Mackay's men sit just three points above the relegation zone on 13 points.

They have lost just one of their last four games, though—and, as well as that draw against Manchester United, they beat fierce rivals Swansea 1-0 in the first ever Welsh derby in the Premier League.

Cardiff also have taken points off the likes of Everton as well this season at home, justifying just how hard they are to beat on their own patch.

Arsenal will need to be at their best if they are to get the three points from South Wales on Saturday afternoon. 

Opposition Men to Watch

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Fraizer Campbell

Having started out at Manchester United as a youngster, Campbell's career had seemingly gone stale before a move to Cardiff reinvigorated his game.

He helped the Bluebirds to promotion last season, and continued his good form into this year with two goals in Cardiff's 3-2 victory over Manchester City early in the campaign.

He netted against United last weekend, too, and will be one to watch for the usually resolute Gunners defence.

Steven Caulker

At the back, Cardiff are led by defender Steven Caulker. Whilst the Bluebirds have retained a lot of their promotion-winning squad, Caulker was the big arrival from Tottenham, and will harbour ambitions of an England spot at the World Cup next year.

Fantastic in the air and uncompromising in the tackle, Arsenal's mobile attacking line will be tested to the maximum by the excellent Caulker. 

Goalkeeper

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There are many spots in this Arsenal team that are becoming a constant, and Wojciech Szczesny's name is one of the first on the team sheet at this moment in time.

He continues to impress on a weekly basis, and was rewarded with a new long-term deal earlier in the month. His form has been excellent—a far cry from the latter stage of last season when he seemed to struggle for confidence.

With such a tough run of fixtures, the Gunners will be thankful for Szczesny providing a consistent influence at the heart of the Arsenal defence. 

Defence

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LB: Kieran Gibbs

Like Szczesny, Gibbs is managing to keep his main rivals at bay with some superb performances so far this season.

The England international is playing with real gusto at this moment in time, and is an integral part of the Gunners side both in defence and attack.

CB: Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny

Thomas Vermaelen will be on the sidelines again on Saturday, one would imagine, as the dynamic duo at the back retain their places. Mertesacker and Koscielny will need to be at their best to deal with Cardiff. The Bluebirds concede a fair amount of goals, but are certainly capable going forward.

RB: Bacary Sagna

With speculation still ongoing over his future, Sagna will be keen to impress both Arsene Wenger and potential new employers with some excellent performances.

Trips such as Cardiff City away are notoriously tough ones for teams at the top end of the division, and are regarded as potential opportunities for shocks. All of Arsenal's regular defensive unit will have to be at their best to shut them out on Saturday. 

Central Midfield

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CM: Mathieu Flamini

Flamini continues to establish himself as one of the signings of the season, and his calming influence in midfield will again allow the trio in front to go forth and attack without fear.

His no-nonsense approach to the game in defensive midfield will serve Arsenal well at a ground where two of the top teams in the division have already dropped points this season.

CM: Mikel Arteta

After Aaron Ramsey operated slightly deeper on Tuesday night, Arteta could well come back into the fold and take the armband again for the Gunners on Saturday.

Technically superb on the ball, and with a real eye for a pass, Flamini and Arteta are becoming the perfect pairing in central midfield for the Gunners. 

Attacking Midfield

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AM: Aaron Ramsey

This will be tough on Jack Wilshere, but Aaron Ramsey could get the nod on Saturday over the Englishman.

As sparkling and dazzling as Wilshere was against Marseille, his long-term fitness will still be of concern to Arsenal management, and he may be best served coming off the bench on Saturday.

Ramsey's form is undeniable at the moment, and an opportunity to play in front of his former crowd in Cardiff could be a real inspiration.

AM: Mesut Ozil

Ozil will lead Arsenal's midfield into battle at Cardiff on Saturday still searching for his ultimate form. Whilst he has been playing well since his transfer from Real Madrid, Gunners fans will still feel they have yet to see the very best of the German in an Arsenal shirt.

Perhaps Saturday could well be the moment Ozil sparkles.

AM: Santi Cazorla

Wenger's rotation policy in midfield will see Santi Cazorla come in and take the third spot in attacking midfield on Saturday. He was used on the bench on Tuesday night, and will serve as the fresh spark Arsenal will need for such a tough game.

Equally adept through the middle or on the flank, he provides Wenger with some unique versatility. 

Attack

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ST: Olivier Giroud

Who else? Giroud has a touch more competition on his hands now that Theo Walcott is back in the first-team picture, but still nowhere near enough to threaten his place in the side.

Walcott will be breathing down his neck for the central striking role, though, and will be looking to take advantage of any slips from the French international in a tense environment on Saturday.