One step forward, two steps back. A comfortable win over West Bromwich Albion was followed days later by a lacklustre goalless scoreline at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland. Hopefully, Arsenal can make that small leap forward again to lock down the top four spot as they welcome Norwich to the Emirates this Saturday.
Sunday’s game was an odd one – although poor going forward, the Gunners created chances and usually, would have won that game 1-0. Equally, Sunderland had their fair share of play and generally looked more up for the game. Norwich should be similarly aggressive, but at home, it’s hard not to see Arsenal playing expansively against a Norwich side which will look to sit deep.
All three of Per Mertesacker, Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey remained in the side – and unfortuantely, the the latter two did themselves no favours in cementing any sort of place in the side. We should see Mertesacker remain, but Danny Welbeck is likely to be drafted back in. The Ramsey conundrum is interesting – not in scintillating form by any means, his drive may be needed, as it was against West Brom; after all, a solid Coqneny base will, most likely, not be needed against a deep lying team.
Norwich’s dangerman looks to be Robbie Brady. A threat from free kicks and crosses, he may take advantage of Arsenal’s weaknesses as West Ham did a few weeks ago.
Arsenal’s biggest threat is likely to be Mesut Ozil. He’s been quiet in terms of assists, but he has still been creating chances every game and has been severely unlucky not to be ahead of Thierry Henry already.
Match facts
– Norwich have not scored in four of their last six games.
– Arsenal are on a six match unbeaten streak.
Team news
– Santi Cazorla may return to the bench on Saturday to join Jack Wilshere, who may not be ready to start. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is in full training, but perhaps a week away from the squad.
– There is bad news for Norwich as both Timm Klose and Alex Tettey, key defensive players, are injured, while Andre Wisdom remains on the sideline.
Predicted XI
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal; Elneny, Ramsey; Alexis, Ozil, Iwobi; Welbeck.
Norwich: (4-4-1-1): Ruddy; Martin, Bassong, Bennett, Olsson; Redmond, O’Neil, Howson, Brady; Naismith; Mbokani.
