Arsenal vs Norwich: Predictions, Preview, Expected Lineups, Team News and Injuries of English Premier League Game

Apr 12, 2013 03:01 AM EDT

With the top-four place now in their hands, Arsenal will also have revenge on their minds when they host Norwich City in English Premier League Saturday.

Norwich pulled off a commendable 1-0 victory over the Gunners in November, in a game in which the normally free-flowing Arsene Wenger's men failed to create a single decent chance.

That performance by Arsenal at Carrow Road was one of their worst of the season, and Wenger will want his side to put things right when the two teams meet for the reverse fixture at the Emirates.

After Tottenham's 1-1 draw against Everton last weekend, Arsenal are now in pole position to finish in the top four and with it seal a place in the Champions League next season.

The Gunners are currently in fifth, two points behind Spurs and Chelsea, but Tottenham have played a game more than their opponents.

Arsenal made it unnecessarily hard for themselves at West Brom last weekend, going down to ten men while in cruise mode, but eventually knuckled down for a hard-fought 2-1 win.

The North London side have not been at their best at home, and have conceded in quite a few games off late. Goals will be very much in order at the Emirates Saturday, but Wenger will want them going in his favor.

Arsenal are at their best when they take a lead - in fact they have only dropped four points all season while in a winning position - and against Norwich an early goal will be welcomed considerably.

"When we start our games in a positive way, we can dominate," Wenger told the club's official website.

"Once we are in front, the teams who usually defend against us have to come out and that gives us space to develop our game even better.

"It shows you just how important the confidence is to go into the games and to have a strong start."

Arsenal, though, might have to do without last match's double hero Tomas Rosicky, who is a major doubt because of a hamstring problem. However, Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott are expected to return after missing the last few of games through injury.

Per Mertesacker is suspended following his red card against West Brom, which means skipper Thomas Vermaelen returns to the starting lineup.

Norwich are hopeful of having goalkeeper Mark Bunn available, with John Ruddy still not ready for a first-team return, while Anthony Pilkington comes back after a month on the sidelines through injury.

The Canaries, who played out a 2-2 draw against Swansea last Saturday, are in real danger of finding themselves in the relegation scrap if they don't pick up a few points soon. They are currently only three points clear of third bottom Wigan.

Therefore, Arsenal can expect a strong fight on Saturday, particularly if their opponent's defend as well as they did in November.

Expected lineups: Arsenal: Fabianski; Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Monreal; Arteta, Ramsey; Gervinho, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud.

Norwich: Bunn; Martin, Turner, Bassong, Garrido; Johnson, Howson; Bennett, Snodgrass, Hoolahan; Kamara.

Prediction: 2-0 to Arsenal

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