| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
|
ARSENAL
Szczeny Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs Rosicky, Song, Ramsey Gervinho, Van Persie, Oxlade-Chamberlain |
NORWICH CITY
Ruddy Martin, Whitbread, Ward, Naughton Howson, Fox E Bennett, Hoolahan, Surman Holt |
Arsenal are expected to name an unchanged side from last week's 1-1 draw with Stoke. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to start in place of Theo Walcott, who is still nursing a hamstring injury, with Aaron Ramsey continuing to deputise for the stricken Mikel Arteta (ankle). Per Mertersacker (ankle) and Abou Diaby (thigh) will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
The visitors will likely return captain Grant Holt to the starting line-up in place of Steve Morison, who began last week's defeat to Liverpool. Kyle Naughton is expected to return at full-back, while Zak Whitbread could be in line for a start after recovering from a calf injury but will require a late fitness test.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
-
Arsene Wenger (pictured right) will celebrate his 900th game in charge of Arsenal on Saturday.
- Having won nine out of 10 in the league since February 4, the Gunners have since failed to win any of their last three matches.
-
Robin van Persie needs just two more goals to equal Thierry Henry’s club record of 30 in a Premier League season, set back in 2003-04.
- Arsenal have won the last four meetings between the sides, including the reverse fixture back in November.
- Norwich have not won away to Arsenal since August 1992 - the very first weekend of the Premier League.
- On current form Paul Lambert's side are in the bottom three, conceding 11 goals in their last three games
- The Canaries have kept just two clean sheets this season - the lowest number in the top flight.
- Grant Holt has netted 13 league goals in the current campaign, the best tally of any uncapped English player.
- Norwich have scored the joint-most headed goals in the top flight this season (15).
