Arsenal will welcome Norwich City to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, 13 April 2013 at 1500 GMT.
Arsenal will continue their surge for a top four spot and will be entering this game high on confidence after three wins on trots in the EPL and four in all competitions. On the other hand Norwich City is going through a tough patch as they haven’t won a match in their last five English Premier League games.
As Chelsea play the FA Cup semi-finals against Manchester City and Tottenham Hot Spurs not playing any games this weekend, a win for the Gunners will see them leapfrog their rivals and temporarily go into third spot.
A win for Norwich City could take them closer to the magical number of 40 that usually saves teams from the drop. A loss however, could see them drop two spots based on other results. Arsenal speedster Theo Walcott has a strained groin but may just about be fit or this game. Jack
Wilshere hurt his ankle but is in contention as well. Last week’s two goal scorer Tomas Rosicky has also pulled his hamstring hence has a “50-50” chance to get a starting berth.
Per Mertesacker will miss this game as he was red carded last weekend against West Brom, while Abou Diaby whose knee problems continue, will definitely miss out on this game.
Norwich will miss first choice and second choice goalkeepers John Ruddy and Mark Bunn. Third-choice goalkeeper, Lee Camp will most likely take goal in this game.
Andrew Surman is ruled out due to a knee injury. Anthony Pilkington has almost recovered from a hamstring injury and is available for selection, but subject to a late fitness test.
Based on recent form and home support Arsenal should easily pick up the points on offer. Although Norwich has proved time and again that they are not to be taken lightly.
Expected Line-ups: Arsenal: Lukasz Fabianski, Sagna, Koscielny, Thomas Vermaelen, Nacho Monreal, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, Gervinho, Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud
Norwich City: Lee Camp, Russell Martin, Michael Turner, Sebastian Bassong, Javier Garrido, Elliott Bennett, Jonny Howson, Bradley Johnson, Robert Snodgrass, Wes Hoolahan, Grant Holt
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Norwich City