Following a disastrous restart to their season, Arsenal go into their match against bottom-placed Norwich looking for their third win on the trot in all competitions
A last gasp winner from Dani Ceballos against Sheffield United put them into the semi-final of the FA Cup, whereas Norwich agonisingly fell to defeat in extra time against Manchester United to put them out of the same competition
When and where?
The match will be held at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, kicking off at 6pm on June 30.
Previous meetings
Earlier on in the season, Arsenal had to fight hard to earn a point at Carrow Road, coming from behind twice to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Judging by league meetings, history favours the Gunners, having only lost twice to the Canaries in Premier League history
Team news
Where to even begin with Arsenal’s injury woes? The certainties: Leno, Mari, Martinelli and Chambers will all be missing the rest of the season. David Luiz, Lucas Torreira, Mesut Ozil all face tests and Cedric Soares could be pushing for a debut.
Norwich’s injury list isn’t too much shorter. Hanley, Zimmermann and Byram are missing the rest of the season. Todd Cantwell is fit to play but Timm Klose misses out through suspension.
Last five matches
Arsenal:
(W) 1-2 vs Sheffield United
(W) 0-2 vs Southampton
(L) 2-1 vs Brighton
(L) 3-0 vs Manchester City
(W) 1-0 vs West Ham
Arsenal’s inconsistent form has been a hallmark of their whole season so far. An away loss to Brighton followed by two away wins leading up to their first home match since the restart could put them at a slight advantage going into tonight’s match.
Norwich:
(L) 1-2 vs Manchester United
(L) 0-1 vs Everton
(L) 0-3 vs Southampton
(L) 1-0 vs Sheffield United
(W) 1-1P vs Tottenham (won on penalties)
Norwich’s league form this season has been nothing short of disastrous. A strong start led to many tipping them to stay up, but a lack of goals from talisman Teemu Pukki seems to have set them up for failure.
This is a game Arsenal MUST win if they have any hope to qualify for at least the Europa League. Norwich’s survival hopes dim by the matchday and a defeat to the Gunners may all but confirm their relegation. I can’t see a misshapen Arsenal defence keep a clean sheet, and they do seem to be the sort of team that Pukki will find his scoring touch against again, but the quality in attack should see them through for the three points.
Score prediction- Arsenal 2-1 Norwich
Match Preview written by Tom Cresswell.
Commentaires