Why Malky’s trip to the Emirates will be a test of pride in his side

Cardiff travel to meet Arsene Wenger’s table toppers

Malky Mackay’s Cardiff City are set to welcome high-flying Arsenal to the Cardiff City Stadium for what looks to be the toughest game of the campaign so far for the Bluebirds.

The Gunners have been in scintillating form so far this season, setting the pace for the rest of the pack, although they did suffer a setback with a 1-0 loss to title rivals Manchester United earlier this month.

Cardiff themselves have had a middling start to their first ever Premier League campaign, the highlight so far being a superb 1-0 victory over close rivals Swansea City in the South Wales derby thanks to Stephen Caulker’s towering header.

But matters off the pitch have threatened to upset their maiden campaign, with club owner Vincent Tan’s dismissal of head scout Iain Moody very nearly leading to Mackay’s resignation.

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay

The Scotsman was convinced to stay however, reportedly even turning down the vacant Crystal Palace position in the process, and vowed to continue his work with the team.

“Absolutely, it’s what I have signed and it’s my job, I’m very proud of being manager here,” Mackay said. ”We have worked hard as a staff for two and a half years now to take our thoughts and our beliefs forward, mould that squad to where we are now.

“We want to make sure that is the best going forward for Cardiff.”

Arsene Wenger’s men will want to keep up their title challenge while Cardiff will look to snatch a point from the Londoners to aid their ambitions of surviving for another season in England’s top flight.

The visitors have somewhat of an injury crisis on their hands with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Yaya Sanogo, Lukas Podolski and Abou Diaby all long-term absentees.

But Wenger can count on his usual suspects to come through for the visitors with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla all performing well.

However, a problem could surface in form of Olivier Giroud, as the Frenchman looks close to crumbling under the pressure of being the sole senior striker – apart from the unwanted Nicklas Bendtner.

A sensational start to the season has quickly faded away, and with the demands of both Premier League and Champions League football weighing heavily on Giroud’s shoulders, Wenger will be hoping to nurse him through to the January transfer window.

Cardiff on the other hand have no long-term injury worries to deal with, with Andreas Cornelius finally ready for first-team action after an ankle problem.

The game itself should be a procession for the Gunners, with the Bluebirds defence being one of the leakier line-ups in the Premier League. You can buy tickets to the January Arsenal vs Cardiff game here and find all tickets on ticketbis.

Faced with the attacking talent Arsenal have at their disposal, they should offer little resistance as Arsene Wenger looks to add another three points to their tally for the season.

But, as a Ian Holloway-less Crystal Palace showed not so long ago, it is possible to shut Arsenal out and exploit their frailties on the break.

The Welsh side need to be clinical however, and take their chances when they appear. If they don’t, it will only be a matter of time before the resistance is shattered by one of the best attacking units in the country.