Arsenal: Victory over Norwich City a Must for Champions League Qualification

With just two matches remaining for the season and Arsenal sitting in third place, you'd have been forgiven for thinking their progression to the UEFA Champions League for next year was a certainty.

Due to big mid-week wins by both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, the Gunners now sit just one point clear of both clubs—who sit fourth and fifth respectively on the table.

And considering that Chelsea could also nab the fourth spot should they win the Champions League final this year, Arsenal must hang on to third spot on the ladder to have a shot at European glory next year.

Their 2013 Champions League qualification starts right now, against Norwich City.

Last Time These Two Met: Norwich City 1, Arsenal 2

Back in November, it was the Gunners who triumphed over Norwich at home, with the scoreline probably not accurately reflecting Arsenal's dominance of the match.

Behind two Robin van Persie goals, Arsene Wenger's men dominated possession all match and should have finished with at least another goal. They notched up 11 shots on target and also had an effort hit the post; in contrast, Norwich finished with just two shots on target.

Match-Defining Stat: Arsenal's defense at the Emirates

At home, Arsenal have suffered just three defeats this season—to Liverpool, Manchester United and Wigan Athletic—and have otherwise been superb in defense.

They have held opponents scoreless in just under half of their home matches and have only conceded three goals in their last five home matches. This has resulted in an average of 0.77 goals allowed per game at the Emirates.

Norwich have been held scoreless in over a quarter of their away matches this season and have only scored three goals in their past five matches away from home.

Prediction: Arsenal 3, Norwich City 0

With Tottenham facing a potentially difficult away trip to Aston Villa and Newcastle playing hosts to title-leaders Manchester City, Arsenal know that this week is their best chance to secure Champions League qualification for next season.

Finishing third this season is of the utmost importance at home, and the Gunners will get the job done over Norwich, who have only won twice since the 12th of February.

With a goal or two to his name, Robin van Persie could also secure the Golden Boot Award for the year—an honor befitting his incredible performances for Arsenal this year.

Arsene Wenger's men will take on West Bromwich Albion in the final round of the English Premier League, but if they dominate possession and play well here, they can consolidate their position in Europe's top honor well before that.

The race for the UEFA Champions League is no doubt heating up, and with a home win here, Arsenal may well have booked themselves a place for 2013.

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