What could look like an easy game for the Gunners could turn out to be much harder as the Welsh side is getting better and better each game. Indeed, Cardiff earned a well-deserved draw, 2-2, against last year's champions Manchester United, only conceding the second goal in injury time.
Arsenal, who easily defeated Marseille this week in Champions League, will come in Wales confident and ready to bring the three points back to London. In their luggages, the Gunners should arrive in Cardiff with Aaron Ramsey. The 22 year-old Welsh returns to Cardiff for the first time in two years.
Ramsey played 16 times for Cardiff before joining Arsenal in 2008. He played again for Cardiff while on loan from Arsenal in 2011. He will undoubtedly be one of the keys of the game for the Gunners as he is in great form since the beginning of the season.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger knows that his midfielder can make the difference. Wenger has praised Ramsey's performances this season.
"Aaron has first a fantastic engine. I believe his defensive awareness has improved, his defensive qualities have improved and his defensive score is very strong now," the technician said.
Statistically, Ramsey is the player who made the most tackles in the Premier League this season (57). And in addition to his defensive skills, Ramsey scores goals and that is something new for him. Ramsey has scored six goals in 12 appearances so far and looks to keep his scoring going.
Cardiff City will have a tough game against Arsenal, but the Welsh club has weapons to deliver and grab a win. Among players which could help Cardiff tomorrow are Peter Odemwingie. The Cardiff striker has scored two times in the last three games against Arsenal and would love to put his name on the scoreboard once more.
On the other end of the field, Cardiff goalkeeper is also in form. David Marshall is the league's top shot stopper, having made 54 saves in 11 matches. A statistic that has a lot to do with another one, more crucial for Cardiff. The team has allowed more shots on target than any other teams (75).
Finally, Arsenal is undefeated in the last 11 games in all competitions against Cardiff, winning six and drawing fives. The Gunners could also count on Jack Wilshere, who scored twice against Marseille, to push his teammates for the win.
Tomorrow's game will surely be interesting, first to see if Cardiff can offer themselves a second season in the top league, and if Arsenal has what it takes to reach the title for the first time since 2004!
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