Arsenal are looking to continue their promising run of form as they lock horns with Norwich City at Emirates on Wednesday. The Gunners are coming on the back of a narrow 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the FA Cup and could now extend their winning run to three games in all competitions this week.
Norwich, meanwhile, have had a dismal run of form since the restart. They have lost all three of their matches, with their latest defeat coming against Manchester United in the FA Cup. The Canaries are also dawdling at the bottom of the league table, and their chances of a potential redemption are very low. With nothing to lose, they could indeed pose a strong challenge for the hosts.
Arsenal Vs Norwich City Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta had opted for a three-man backline in the last game to mirror Sheffield United’s 3-5-2. He is expected to revert to a 4-3-3, with the extra midfielder in Bukayo Saka likely to operate out wide, providing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang additional support.
Norwich City
Norwich City, meanwhile, are likely to retain their 4-2-3-1 shape but will be keen on taking full of advantage of Arsenal’s decimated defensive unit. The offensive flair provided by Todd Cantwell and Ondrej Duda, in particular, is set to play a crucial role for the Canaries in this fixture.
Team News
Arsenal
Arsenal are still missing out on the services of a host of star players through injury including Pablo Mari, David Luiz, Calum Chambers and even Lucas Torreira. Yet, Arteta is set to ring in the changes from the side that has secured a late win over Sheffield United. Moreover, both Mesut Ozil and Cedric could make the bench and potentially make an appearance in the second half.
Predicted XI: Martinez; Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Tierney; Ceballos, Xhaka, Saka; Pepe, Nketiah, Aubameyang.
Norwich City
Much like Arteta, Norwich City manager Daniel Farke is expected to make some changes to the side that had lost to Manchester United in their last game. Duda has performed well since arriving from RB Leipzig and should start as the number ten while the likes of Cantwell, Teem Pukki and Emiliano Buendia are guaranteed starters.
Predicted XI: Krul; Aarons, Godfrey, Klose, Lewis; Tettey, Mclean; Buendia, Duda, Cantwell; Pukki.
Key Men
Arsenal
Nicolas Pepe has emerged as a key player for Arsenal since the restart. His recent performances suggest that he is slowly starting to adapt himself in English football. Having been involved in 16 goals in all competitions so far, the Ivorian’s pace and trickery on the far could be critical in Arsenal’s chances against Norwich City this week.
Norwich City
For the Canaries, the onus will be on Cantwell to provide the goods in the final third. The young winger has emerged as a rising star in the Premier League this season, scoring six goals. His trickery on the far side is sure to cause problems for the Gunners, especially with Hector Bellerin struggling to get back to his full flow.
