After a two-week-long international break, Premier League is back at the weekend and, Arsenal will host newly-promoted side Norwich City at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta is already under serious pressure from the fans and the management to deliver a positive result. This game against the Canaries will be a must-win game for the Gunners and, they will be hoping to put an end to their Premier League goal drought.
Arsenal comes into this game with a thrashing 5-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Ethiad. The Gunners have had their worst start into the new Premier League season, as they have lost all three matches so far.
Meanwhile, Norwich City came into this game with a 2-1 defeat against last season’s FA Cup Champions Leicester City. Being promoted to the top tier of English Football, Norwich City are also yet to register a single point in Premier League this season.
This game will be a battle between the bottom two sides, with both sides among just three sides yet to pick up a point this season.
The most recent meeting between the two clubs was in July 2020 in the Premier League. In that match, the North London Club ran out winners thanks to Pierre Emerick Aubameyang who scored two goals, alongside single goals from Granit Xhaka and full-back Cedric Soares.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Venue: Emirates Stadium.
Date: 11th September 2021.
Time: 15:00 BST.
TEAMS NEWS
ARSENAL
A big boost for the Gunners as Thomas Partey, Gabriel Magalhaes, and new signing Ben White are back into full training and available for selection. Egypt International Mohammed Elneny won’t be available this weekend due to a hamstring injury and is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 weeks. Emile Smith-Rowe will be a doubt for this game after he left the England U-21 camp early due to illness. While Covid-stricken Granit Xhaka is banned for three games following his red card against Manchester City, there could be a chance for Partey to start in midfield. Sead Kolasinac will face a late fitness test to determine his availability.
Injured: Mohammed Elneny, Granit Xhaka (COVID-19).
Doubt: Emile Smith Rowe, Sead Kolasinac.
Suspension: Granit Xhaka.
NORWICH CITY
The Canaries will be without Bali Mumba and Sam Byram as the duo have been ruled out with knee and thigh injuries respectively. Przemyslaw Placheta is currently in self-isolation after testing positive to COVID-19. Christos Tzolis will undergo a late fitness test for his calf injury.
Injured: Bali Mumba, Sam Byram, Przemyslaw Placheta (COVID-19).
Doubt: Christos Tzolis.
Suspension: None.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno(GK), Callum Chambers, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tirney, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Thomas Partey, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Nicolas Pepe, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.
Norwich City (4-3-3): Tim Krul (GK), Brandon Williams, Ben Gibson, Grant Hanley, Max Aarons, Kenney McLean, Billy Gilmour, Pierre Lees-Melou, Milot Rashica, Teemu Pukki, Todd Cantwell.
