The week started on a low note for Arsenal, after it was revealed that Coquelin will be out for at least 3 months following their 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Brom. However the Gunners have responded positively to that defeat by getting past Zagreb comfortably while also keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
It’s now time for them to get their Premier League title challenge back on track when they take on relegation threatened Norwich City late on Sunday evening. The good thing for the North London club is that they will have a chance at reaching the summit of the League table if they get past the Canaries by 5 or more goals after leaders Leicester City and United played out a draw on Saturday.
The Gunners looked good in the midweek and were comfortable throughout the game with Ozil and Sanchez coming to the party in the offensive department. The main issue going into the game was the defensive midfield position and as to who will replace injured Coquelin. Wenger decided that it will be Flamini and the French midfielder put up an apt display at the heart of the midfield. Ozil continued his excellent form and Sanchez also put an impressive display.
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Aaron Ramsey is back in contention and will be pushing for a start after making his comeback off the bench in the midweek. Wenger has confirmed in his pre-match press conference that he’ll continue to play the Welshman on the wing, but the boss would prefer to give Ramsey more rest and with Joel Campbell impressing last time around, the Welsh international is unlikely to get a start.
With Francis Coquelin out injured for three months, Mathieu Flamini featured in against Zagreb as Mikel Arteta is also out with a calf problem. Chambers also has a chance of featuring, but after Flamini’s stable performance it’s more or less confirmed that the boss will go with the same composition in the middle.
The back line is expected to stay the same, but there’s chance that Gabriel might get a start. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to be on the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury but Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky all remain sidelined.
Alexis Sanchez is expected to start despite carrying a minor hamstring problem so let’s hope the Chilean international doesn’t aggravate the injury.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
Cech
Bellerin Mertesacker Koscielny Monreal
Flamini Cazorla
Campbell Ozil Sanchez
Giroud
CONFIRMED LINE-UP
Cech
Bellerin Mertesacker Koscielny Monreal
Flamini Cazorla
Ramsey Ozil Sanchez
Giroud
