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

Arsenal get back to Premier League action this weekend after a two week international break as they take on Norwich City at Carrow Road in Saturday’s late kick off.

If feels like an age since Olivier Giroud broke his Premier League duck during a 3-1 win over West Ham last time out. The striker followed that up with a late header to salvage a 1-1 draw for France away at Spain on Tuesday night, so he’s on something of a ‘goal-scoring’ run.

Arsenal face a Norwich side that are suffering from ‘second-season syndrome’ with Chris Hughton’s team failing to follow-up last seasons good form.

The Cannaries are yet to win a game this season and are currently in the relegation zone after seven matches. Much of their problems stem from the back with Norwich conceding nine goals in their last two games against Liverpool and Chelsea.

So the likes of Podolski, Gervinho, Cazorla and Giroud may be licking their lips ahead of this one.

Team News

The big news is that Jack Wilshere is back in the squad after 15 months out through injury. His agent confirmed the news via Twitter earlier today but it’s expected that Jack will be on the bench but may get a few minutes under his belt depending on how the game goes.

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Theo Walcott will miss the game after being hospitalised with chest and lung injuries following a collision during England’s win over San Marino last weekend.

Laurent Koscielny is out with a back injury so Per Mertesacker should continue alongside Thomas Vermaelen at the back, while Andre Santos is expected to come in for Kieran Gibbs, who’s out with a thigh strain.

There is bad news on the goalkeeper front after Lukasz Fabianski has been ruled out for 3 months with an ankle ligament injury. Wojciech Szczesny is also two weeks away from returning to action so Vito Mannone continues between the sticks. Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky also remain on the sidelines.

Norwich are sweating on the fitness of forward Robert Snodgrass who has an ankle problem. Defender Steven Whittaker is back in full training but is unlikely to be considered this weekend.

On-loan Tottenham striker Harry Kane remains on the sidelines after breaking a metatarsal.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Norwich haven’t beaten Arsenal in eleven attempts and I think we’ll make that 12 after this game. Arsenal have an excellent away record, having lost just one of their previous 12 Premier League games and have also not lost at Carrow Road in their last 12 trips. With Cazorla pulling the strings in midfield I can’t see past a Gunners victory. Norwich 0-2 Arsenal.

What would your team be? What do you think the score will be? Get involved in the comments section.

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