Bossing midfield gain today?
After a tedious international break that saw England qualify, we finally have our Arsenal back. Of course I’ll support my national team but nothing compares to watching The Arsenal, especially in the tantalizing form we are in at the moment. Rarely, there were (almost) no injuries for our team in the break, baring the scare with Mesut Özil which turned out to be nothing, praise the Lord. Aaron Ramsey carried on his scintillating form with his goal for Belgium and could have had another but missed his penalty against Macedonia. Olivier Giroud was also in the goals, scoring two against Australia.
Saturday sees the visit of Norwich to The Emirates, having only won twice in seven games. We are firm favorites and it is clear to see why with our form being excellent baring the opening day defeat against Aston Villa. Norwich will be trying to gain as many points as possible as they only have seven from seven games. Their defeat at home to Chelsea before the international break could have been avoided as I thought they played some good football and retained the ball well until tired legs played their part for Norwich and talent was replaced by more talent for Chelsea in the shape of Willian, Interestingly, we played Norwich at Carrow Road exactly twelve months ago after an international break and lost 1-0; a game that still frustrates me to this day. We were flat and didn’t feel like a football team that cared at all– but that won’t be a problem this year.
Our squad is hungry for success and although the additions in the summer weren’t as plentiful as we need, have been sheer quality. When Flamini’s transfer was announced I remember writing in a blog post ‘It’s better than having that waste of space Frimpong on the b(d)ench’ but what has happened has been sublime to watch. Flamini’s introduction back against Spurs immediately saw him catapulted back into our hearts. Since then, he has done more of the same; barking orders, commanding the midfield and threatening opponents with blindness if they challenge Wilshere again – absolutely class.
As for Özil, I won’t even begin as we would be here all day. Norwich have strengthened their ranks too with the signings of Gary Hooper, Johan Elmander, Martin Olsson, Nathan Redmond and Ricky van Wolfswinkel. Nathan Redmond has been earning plaudits for his performances in the Premier League so far this season and deservedly so. I wouldn’t rest players today, rather against Crystal Palace and Chelsea in the Capital One Cup and with Dortmund to play twice and Manchester United coming up, the next few weeks is looking very tight indeed.
With everything taken into account, I fully expect us to beat Norwich by three of four goals. And am going to predict a 4-0 win for us.
Match Facts
- Norwich last beat Arsenal away in 1992.
- Arsenal have scored 15 goals in our last four home league meetings with Norwich.
- Arsenal have only kept 3 clean sheets in our last 14 league games at The Emirates.
- Since playing each other in game week 8, Arsenal have collected 77 points and Norwich 48.
Arsenal Facts and Team News
- Unbeaten in last six matches and haven’t lost in any competition since Aston Villa.
- Scored in every league game this campaign.
- Bacary Sagna and Santi Cazorla are fit, Walcott could also feature.
- Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski and Diaby all remain out.
Norwich Facts and Team News
- Lost their last three of four.
- Scored only three goals in six games.
- Anthony Pilkington is doubtful. Elliot Bennett is out until the New Year after having Knee surgery.
Potential lineups
Norwich potential line-up
Arsenal potential line-up
20 year old Media Student. Can’t thank my old man enough for bringing me up as a Gooner. Love debates about The Arsenal & football in general. Arsene Knows Best. Koscielny lover. Form is temporary, class is permanent. Hate Piers Morgan almost as much as I love The Arsenal.
Delighted to be a part of GoonerTown providing match previews.
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