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Norwich logo
Premier League | Gameweek 14
Dec 1, 2019 at 2pm UK
 
Arsenal logo

2-2

Pukki (21'), Cantwell (45')
FT(HT: 2-1)
Aubameyang (29' pen., 57')

Preview: Norwich City vs. Arsenal - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole provides team news, predicted lineups and a full preview of Sunday's Premier League fixture between Norwich City and Arsenal.

Arsenal take on Norwich City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon with Freddie Ljungberg taking charge of his first game since replacing Unai Emery on an interim basis.

Meanwhile, the Canaries are attempting to build on last weekend's 2-0 victory away at Everton, a result which moved the club into 18th position in the standings.


Norwich City

Norwich City manager Daniel Farke pictured on November 8, 2019© Reuters

Ever since their famous win over Manchester City in September, Norwich have struggled to replicate the same level of performances in games which they would have felt were opportunities to pick up points.

However, despite remaining in the relegation zone, Daniel Farke will hope that the win at Goodison Park is a step in the right direction for his team.

While Everton had chances throughout the 90 minutes, keeping a shutout was a big plus for the Canaries after conceding 12 goals in their previous five outings.

Their failings in defence have come at a time when the goals have dried up for Teemu Pukki, although the Finland striker did play his part in setting up his team's opener against the Toffees.

The performances of the backline and Pukki will almost certainly prove pivotal as the campaign progresses, and Farke will be eager to see that high-quality displays can be produced more than just once every few games.

Last week's success has come at a time when Farke will be relieved to see less of his players spending time in the treatment room, although consistency from whoever has been given time on the pitch has been a problem.

Todd Cantwell is one of a number of players whose level has dropped in recent weeks, although his goal on Merseyside could act as the catalyst for him to regain his influential presence in midfield.

The energy which the Englishman provides could be key on Sunday as Norwich look to avoid a fourth successive defeat in front of their own supporters.

Recent form: LDLLLW


Arsenal

Arsenal manager Unai Emery pictured on November 6, 2019© Reuters

After a run of two wins from 11 matches in the Premier League and no victory in seven games in all competitions, there was little surprise when Emery was removed from his position on Friday morning.

Letting slip a half-time advantage against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League proved to be decisive, with the Gunners opting to hand the reins to assistant coach Ljungberg on an interim basis.

While speculation regarding a potential long-term successor to Emery will continue, the former midfielder now has an opportunity to show what he can do with what remains a talented, well-stocked squad.

Ljungberg's priority is to ensure that Arsenal return to winning ways as soon as possible, with their recent run leaving the club eight points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.

However, while also wanting to showcase his style of football, the Swede needs to identify a number of reliable leaders in the camp to help the team move forward.

Given the multiple changes of captaincy under Emery, that may prove easier said than done, but a united response is vital if Arsenal are going to maintain any hope of qualifying for next season's Champions League through their Premier League position.

With Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United to follow, the fixtures are in Ljungberg's favour, but failing to pick up at least four points from the upcoming triple-header may lead to a further change in the dugout.

Much will also depend on the availability of Arsenal's preferred managerial targets, although Ljungberg must ignore any 'noise' surrounding the role and focus on finding solutions to many of the club's ongoing problems.

Recent form: WLDDLD
Recent form (all competitions): DDDLDL


Team News

David Luiz in action during the Premier League game between Liverpool and Arsenal on August 24, 2019© Reuters

Arsenal have revealed that David Luiz, Hector Bellerin and Shkodran Mustafi will be assessed ahead of the game this weekend.

On Thursday night, Luiz and Mustafi sustained bruised ribs and a bruised foot respectively, while Bellerin's tight hamstring is also being monitored.

However, Sead Kolasinac has been declared fit and available after missing two games with a hamstring problem.

As for Norwich, Farke has revealed that Jamal Lewis has returned to training after a knee injury, while Cantwell has also been involved after a minor foot problem.

However, Alexander Tettey will miss out at the weekend due to personal reasons.

Norwich City possible starting lineup:
Krul; Aarons, Zimmermann, Godfrey, Byram; Stiepermann, McLean, Trybull; Cantwell, Hernandez, Pukki

Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Leno; Bellerin, Chambers, Sokratis, Tierney; Torreira, Guendouzi; Pepe, Willock, Aubameyang; Lacazette


Head To Head

Sunday's contest will represent the 59th competitive clash between the two clubs, with Arsenal claiming 28 wins in comparison to 11 victories for Norwich.

The Gunners have put together a six-match unbeaten streak against their hosts this weekend, although they have not squared off since an EFL Cup tie in October 2017.

Norwich last defeated Arsenal in October 2012 when Grant Holt netted the only goal of the game in a Premier League meeting at Carrow Road.


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Norwich City 2-2 Arsenal

Given the upheaval at Arsenal, it is difficult to predict who will prevail on Sunday afternoon. However, Norwich will feel that they need to take advantage of the poor form of the Gunners, and we feel that they will do enough to claim a point.



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Written by
Darren Plant
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