Arsenal make the trip to Carrow Road on Saturday to meet Norwich for the first time in seven years looking to continue their push for a top four place against Paul Lambert’s in-form Canaries.
The hosts have been in terrific form over the last couple of months losing only two of their last seven games and have soared into the top half of the table to the surprise of many who banked on them to struggle at the foot of the Premier League table. Performing above expectation has become a regular trait at Norwich, with back-to-back promotions and a strong start to their first top flight campaign since 2004/05 giving a welcome shock to those who touted them as relegation candidates. It’s amazing to think only 18 months ago they were battling it out in League One, but it’s credit to Lambert for getting every ounce out of his squad. A draw against Liverpool at Anfield and a performance of supreme quality in their narrow defeat against Manchester United showed they can mix it with the big clubs. They were unlucky to lose to Aston Villa before the international break and, in all honesty, they deserved to come away from the Midland’s with a point at least. The ever impressive Anthony Pilkington was the star of the once more whilst Steve Morison produced another accomplished performance up front. The only major concern for Lambert is at the back with his defence yet to keep a clean sheet despite the top draw displays from goalkeeper John Ruddy. It will be tough for the Canaries against a free-scoring Arsenal side who they’ve failed to register a top-flight victory against since Mark Robins scored twice in a 4-2 win at Highbury in 1992.
Arsene Wenger’s side have been in marvellous form since their 8-2 mauling at the hands of Manchester United in August, winning 11 of their last 14 games in all competitions. The goalscoring form of Robin van Persie has been the reason behind their renaissance with the captain already bagging 13 this season. Whilst the Dutchman may be winning all the plaudits Wenger has seen his back four tighten up considerably conceding only five goals in as many games and keeping a clean sheet against West Brom in their last fixture. Thomas Vermaelen’s return from injury coupled with the form of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker has given The Gunners confidence to attack in numbers knowing the defence is solid enough to clean up any mistakes. Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey have also been in inspiring form of late and their link-up play will be vital in whats expected to be a congested midfield. Their record against Norwich is an impressive one and they beat Norwich 4-1 in each of their last two league meetings. They’re 11 unbeaten at Carrow Road and they’ll be confident of extending that to 12 on Saturday afternoon.
Norwich City – 9th
Last Five
Lost 3-2 v Aston Villa (A), Drew 3-3 v Blackburn (H), D 1-1 v Liverpool (A), Won 2-1 v Swansea (H), Lost 2-0 v Manchester United (A)
Potential Starting XI
Ruddy
Tierney Barnett Martin Naughton
Bennett Johnson
Surman
Pilkington Hoolahan
Morison
Injury News
No fresh injury concerns for Paul Lambert with James Vaughan, Elliott Ward and Zak Whitbread all out for extended periods.
Key Player
Anthony Pilkington – The former Huddersfield has taken the Premier League by storm since moving to Carrow Road in the summer and hasn’t been phased by the step up. His displays have been nothing short of superb with his elegance and intelligence on the ball giving Norwich an extra dimension. He’s notched four goals already with the latest coming from a stunning free kick against Villa last time out.
Match Fact
The last time the Canaries registered a home win over Arsenal was on Boxing Day in 1984 with John Deehan’s first half effort proving enough to see off Don Howe’s men.
Arsenal – 7th
Last Five
Won 3-0 v West Brom (H), D 0-0 v Marseille (H), Won 5-3 v Chelsea (A), Won 2-1 v Bolton (H), W 3-1 v Stoke (H)
Potential Starting XI
Szczesny
Djourou Mertesacker Vermaelen Santos
Song Arteta
Ramsey
Gervinho Walcott
Van Persie
Injury News
Marouane Chamakh is the only concern for Arsenal before their trip to Norfolk with the Moroccan carrying a knee injury. Apart from that Arsene Wenger has no new injury worries to contend with with Abou Diaby, Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshere all out until next year.
Key Player
Robin van Persie – There is no other player in the Premier League hotter in front of goal than Van Persie at the moment with the Dutchman scoring 29 goals in 28 games during 2011. Staying clear of injuries has helped him rediscover his clinical edge and there is no doubt he’ll be on the scoresheet against a Norwich side that struggle to keep clean sheets.
Match Fact
Arsenal have emerged victorious in the last three meetings against Norwich and have strung together an impressive run of 11 unbeaten games at Carrow Road. They’ve only lost once to the Canaries since the birth of the Premier League with that coming in their first top flight fixture back in 1992.
Last Time at Carrow Road
Premier League, 28th August 2004
Norwich City 1-4 Arsenal
Huckerby, 50 – Reyes, 22, Henry, 36, Pires, 40, Bergkamp 90
Attendance: 23,944
Referee: Graham Poll
PREDICTION
Norwich have proven they can match the top teams in the Premier League and two defeats in their last seven is a brilliant run of form. However coming up against an Arsenal side who are taking no prisoners at the moment is a different proposition. The Canaries back four will need to have their wits about them to stop Van Persie from continuing his hot scoring streak. Despite the feel good factor currently swirling around Carrow Road i’m predicting a miserable afternoon for Paul Lambert and his men.
Score: 1-4
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Written by Jak Penny
I do hope you are wrong and that Kozza is playing either at RB or CB. I would prefer RB as I do not wish to see JD in an Arsenal shirt. JD would never cope with Pilkington.