Arsenal will return to the Emirates Stadium after a gap of almost four months as they are scheduled to host relegation-threatened Norwich City on Wednesday night in the next Premier League fixture. With both sides desperate to win, the game promises to be an entertaining one.
The Gunners resumed their season with back-to-back losses against Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion but bounced back against Southampton and Sheffield United, sealing their FA Cup semi-final spot after a win over the latter, and are still in pursuit of a European spot.
Mikel Arteta’s men will be striving to continue their winning momentum when they clash against the Canaries, who are placed rock-bottom in the league standings. However, Daniel Farke’s armoury is blessed with some genuinely talented players and have the potential to give the home side a tough fight.
Arsenal Team News
Cedric Soares is back in full training and will be available for selection, while Mesut Ozil, David Luiz and Lucas Torreira are being assessed ahead of the upcoming home game. Bernd Leno remains sidelined due to his knee injury which he picked up against the Seagulls earlier this month.
Pablo Mari is on the treatment table and is aiming to make a return to full training in two to three months. Meanwhile, both Gabriel Martinelli and Calum Chambers are out with a knee injury and will not feature in the remaining matches of the ongoing campaign.
PREDICTED ARSENAL LINEUP TO FACE NORWICH CITY (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez has done a fine job under the bar in the absence of Leno, hardly putting a foot wrong during his outings. The custodian’s distribution has been remarkable, which has been an asset for his side, and he is certain to start in goal once again for the north London based outfit.
Defence
Rob Holding and Shkodran Mustafi have been quite good lately, barring a couple of nervy moments, and are expected to start in defence. For the third centre-back in his three-man defensive setup, Arteta is likely to go with Bosnian international Sead Kolasinac.
Wing-backs
Hector Bellerin could get the nod to start as the right wing-back after a mediocre outing for Ainsley Maitland-Niles against Sheffield United. On the opposite side, Kieran Tierney should keep his place owing to his offensive prowess and also due to his fine performances after the break.
Midfield
Matteo Guendouzi has apparently been cornered by Arteta, which is why Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos could be chalked in the central midfield in the Arsenal lineup. The latter will be brimming with confidence after his late goal against the Blades and could cause trouble to Norwich City’s backline.
Attack
As Alexandre Lacazette is in the midst of a goal-drought, Eddie Nketiah could find his way back into the starting line-up. Nicolas Pepe is too good to be benched and is expected to take up the right-wing, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang likely to start on the left flank.
PREDICTED ARSENAL LINEUP
