Prediction: Norwich vs Arsenal

20th October 2012

Seven games into the new campaign and Norwich have yet to record their first Premier League victory, with the Canaries hoping to frustrate Arsenal at Carrrow Road. That is easier said than done now that the Gunners have hit the ground running and beat West Ham away last time out.

Together with Swansea, Norwich were the biggest surprise package last season, given that the Canaries not only avoided the drop in their first Premiership campaign after gaining promotions, but ended up achieving a 12th-place finish. Rather than resting on their laurels, the club chiefs did well to reinforce the squad in off season, but they could do nothing to stop coach Paul Lambert from leaving, which proved to be a big problem. His replacement Chris Hughton has utterly failed to get the team playing like they did last term, as witnessed by the 0-3-4 record at the start of the league campaign. Having suffered two real beatings against Liverpool and Chelsea, the Canaries face a tough task of avoiding another heavy defeat as they play host to in-form Arsenal. Robert Snodgrass is doubtful with an ankle injury, while Harry Kane and Steven Whittaker remain long-term casualties.

Arsenal were always going to have a difficult time without Robin van Persie and Alex Song, but the team have done surprisingly well to prove they can cope even without the two stalwarts from last season. Unlike Santi Cazorla, who largely impressed at the start of his career at the Emirates, fellow new signing Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud needed some time to get used to the new surroundings, with the two forwards struggling in goalless draws against Sunderland and Stoke, but things quickly started improving. Since the stalemate at Britannia Stadium, Arsenal have won six of their next eight games in all competitions, proving they have what it takes to maybe even enter the title chase this season. With the team playing with a lot of confidence at the moment and boosted by the return of Jack Wilshire, the Gunners are rightly considered favourites to win at Carrow Road. Arsene Wenger has some important missings as Gibbs, Walcott, Szczesny, Fabianski, Diaby and Koscielny are out, but he also has big enough squad to cope.

Conclusion

This is a real no brainer in my opinion, given that Norwich are completely out of form and Arsenal are playing great football at the moment. A comfortable Gunners victory is also possible, but given the decent odds on away, you can simply back Arsenal to win.

Verdict: Away win Arsenal (2)

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Paddy Power