29th Dec 2013 | Premier League
Arsenal v Cardiff Tip
The Gunners won the reverse fixture 3-0 and the Bluebirds were relatively stable back then.
Every year, for as long as I can remember, Arsenal have dished out a fair few thrashings because ‘on their day they are unplayable.’ But strangely, in 2013-14, their most successful campaign for some time, the Gunners have so far only beaten two teams by three goals and none by more than that.
One of those two teams was Cardiff, in Wales, at the end of November. Now, just a month later they meet again at the Emirates and I expect a repeat at the very least. Arsenal are 7/4 to win by 3 goals or more with SkyBet, and that seems to be a good price.
The reasons for this are twofold. Firstly, the Bluebirds are on the tipping point of crisis. A run of one win in nine was nearly averted at home to Sunderland on Saturday only for the Black Cats to strike in the 83rd and 95th minutes to grab a point. With Mackay gone, and Vincent Tan a laughing stock, the future looks bleak.
Secondly, Arsenal are top of the league and surely with confidence restored after vital back-to-back victories away to West Ham and Newcastle over Christmas. Giroud and Walcott are back on the goal trail and I can only see a convincing home win here on New Year’s Day.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 22:21 29th Dec, 2013 but subject to change
