Arsenal vs Norwich: Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Arsenal welcome Norwich City to the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime for what has to be regarded as a must-win game if we are to secure third place this year.

After Tottenham’s 4-1 win away to Bolton and Newcastle’s 2-0 win at Chelsea in midweek, we are now just 1 point ahead of our third-place rivals with two games to play.

Victory over Norwich on Saturday would put the pressure on the pair, with Spurs away at Villa and Newcastle hosting Man City on Sunday. So lets get the three points in the bag and let the others play catch-up.

It was a bad week for Arsenal, with both our main rivals winning, and many fans are now panicking about finishing third. But lets not forget it’s still very much in our hands. Beat Norwich and WBA and third is ours, no matter what. We sure as hell would have taken that scenario a few months ago, so let’s not get too despondent!

We go into this weekend having not won in our last three Premier League games, so it’s vital we don’t extend that run to four. Norwich are a decent side and showed how dangerous they can be with a shock 2-1 win at White Hart Lane recently, so they shouldn’t be underestimated.

Team news

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Abou Diaby is likely to miss the remaining two games with a calf problem picked up against Stoke last week, and the French midfielder joins Theo Walcott, Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere and Per Mertesacker on the sidelines.

Diaby’s injury leaves us short of midfield options, so Wenger has been forced into drafting in the un-used Park Chu-Young into the squad.

Other than that, the squad will be exactly the same as last week. Although i would like to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain given a start on Saturday.

Norwich come to the Emirates with few injury concerns. Daniel Ayala and Marc Tierney are definitely out, while Zak Whitbread and Adam Drury are both doubts for Paul Lamberts side.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

We have been strong at home for most of the season. The Wigan game was a bit of a freak result really, but it should pose as a warning for the players not to start slowly or take the opposition too lightly. Norwich lost 3-0 at home against Liverpool last weekend and have already secured their Premiership status for another year, so with very little to play for, you’d be forgiven for thinking they are a good side to be playing at this stage of the season.

As long as the Gunners focus and play with high intensity, the goals and the three points will come. I think the boys won’t disappoint and we’ll put the pressure on the Spuds. Arsenal 3-0 Norwich.

What are your thoughts on the game? Get involved in the comments section.