Prediction: Norwich vs Arsenal

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League returns once again this weekend in the final set of fixtures before we officially enter the hectic December period. All teams will be forced to deal with increased scrutiny now as they attempt to navigate their way through a collection of tough fixtures in the top flight. Two such teams who have a lot of work to do, but for very different reasons, are Norwich City and Arsenal who will meet in one of the Sunday kick-offs at Carrow Road.

Norwich

Norwich’s style was really fun to watch across the first few weeks of the new campaign, but it certainly seems as if the allure of it all has started to wear off just a little. From their poor defensive work to their parade of injuries, the Canaries are in a position whereby they need to be saved from themselves sooner rather than later. The win over Everton gave them hope, but they’re still struggling for air, which is hardly a great sign when we’re still so early into the Premier League season.

Team News

Klose, Lewis, Drmic and Hanley will all miss out through injury with Cantwell’s fitness still being a question heading into the weekend.

Arsenal

The sacking of Unai Emery has officially been confirmed and now, the Gunners can start to move on towards bigger and better things. Freddie Ljungberg is set to take over for this game, at the very least, which should give the squad and fans the boost that they need. They’ve got an incredibly winnable set of fixtures and they’ll know that stability is the one thing they desperately need right now – even though acquiring it is easier said than done.

Team News

Ceballos will not be travelling due to an injury with the fitness of Bellerin, Luiz, Mustafi, Kolasinac and Holding all set to be assessed. Chambers, as a result, could make his presence known alongside Sokratis in what could mark the dawning of a new era for Arsenal Football Club.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in October 2017 in the Carabao Cup, Arsenal beat Norwich 2-1.
• Norwich have won one, drawn one and lost four of their last six games.
• Arsenal have drawn four and lost two of their last six games.
• Norwich have scored four goals and conceded 12 in their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored 10 goals and conceded 13 in their last six games.

Conclusion

Norwich are going to put up a fight but new manager syndrome will allow Arsenal to get the job done here. They’re good enough and efficient enough to put in the sort of performance that isn’t going to completely and utterly embarrass the squad and that, in a nutshell, has to be viewed as a positive thing. Carrow Road is a difficult place to go as Manchester City found out earlier this season, but if the Gunners can get into a nice rhythm, they’ll be absolutely fine.

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: bet365