Arsenal's probable XI against Cardiff City

Unai Emery’s tenure as the new head coach of Arsenal has so far yielded 3 points from 3 games with 2 defeats, at the hands of Manchester City and Chelsea, and an unconvincing wing against West Ham.

With games coming thick and fast, Unai Emery’s men have to face the newcomers Cardiff City away, here is how Arsenal line-up is expected to look like in the Spaniard coach's preferred 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeeper

Bernd Leno is in line to be handed a Premier League debut

Even though Arsenal has parted with huge sums of money to add a new goalkeeper in the form of Bernd Leno to their ranks, Unai Emery has persisted with Petr Cech in goal for the first three games of the season. Though shaky at times, the ex- Chelsea legend has done a fine job so far with crucial saves even though he leaked in 6 goals in the first three games.

For all his experience and brilliance, big Petr is ageing and has so far failed to adapt to Unai Emery’s style of playing from the back. Bernd Leno is more suited to this system.

The German goalkeeper was an established starter for a Champions League side, with a penchant for playing from the back, for many years and this might just be the game where Emery hands his German goalkeeper a premier league debut.

Defence

Sokratis and Mustafi will retain their places at the heart of the defence

Shipping in 6 goals in the opening three games shows how vulnerable and shaky the Gunner’s defence is. However, with a new signing blending in, it will take a while for the defence to click as a unit.

Cardiff City have very physical and pacey wingers who can exploit the spaces left behind by the fullbacks Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal, who tend to push forward at every given opportunity.

Bellerin and Monreal complete the back four

Emery can call upon the services of the experienced Stephan Lichtsteiner but seeing how well Bellerin contributed to the attack against the Hammers, he is expected to keep his place along with Sokratis, Mustafi and Monreal.

Midfield

Torreira is likely to be given a full debut

Choosing the right midfield combination and setup will be Emery’s most decision. With the new signing Guendouzi impressing in the opening two fixtures and with Ramsey and Xhaka coming to life against West Ham not to forget the exploits of Lucas Torreira, who made a significant contribution, in a defensive midfield role, Emery has a lot of options at his disposal.

Xhaka and Ramsey are likely to be partnered with Torreira

For all the heart and bravery shown by Guendouzi against the defending champions and Chelsea, his positioning caused the Gunners a lot of problems at West Ham. Only after he was taken off for Torreira, the Gunners clicked as a Unit.

Emery might opt for a three-man midfield with Torreira operating as a defensive midfielder and the duo of Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey, an ex- Cardiff City player, completing the trio.

Attack

With impressive cameos in all the three games so far, Lacazette is likely to be handed a starting role

Alexandre Lacazette came off the bench in the first three games with Aubameyang being preferred as the sole striker. Seeing how Lacazette impacted the games when he came on with his hold up play and energy, the head coach might finally give a start for the Frenchman as a central striker with Aubameyang operating on the left flank.

Ozil and Aubameyang will operate from wide positions

Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil have to fight it out for the right wing spot and Ozil might get the nod owing to his superior range of passing and his ability to dictate the play.

Mkhitaryan, Welbeck and Iwobi might have to settle with a spot on the bench.