Norwich vs Arsenal: Predicting the Gunners Starting XI

With Norwich just two places below Arsenal in the table, one can expect an interesting match up this Saturday, away to the Canaries. 

Arsenal are looking strong—much stronger than they did at the beginning of the season—winning their last nine out of 10 games. 

Norwich may be close to Arsenal in the table, but their recent form really taking a dip, having drawn twice to Liverpool and Blackburn, then losing in a hotly contested match to Aston Villa in the last week of play in the Premiership. 

Arsenal have had a history of slipping up a little against newly promoted sides, but Arsene Wenger and his Gunners will be the favorites going into this one, with momentum and form on their side. 

Mentality

Wenger is going to want his team to start off quickly on the front foot and put the Canaries down a goal or two in the first half to really help his side ease to a comfortable victory. 

Look for Wenger to apply his standard 4-3-3 formation against this stumbling Norwich side, potentially switching to a 4-5-1 if they can get comfortably ahead.

Meanwhile, the home side, Norwich, will be looking to start a bit in a defensive hole to prevent the onslaught of Arsenal attacks from the wings, falling back into a virtually impenetrable defensive fortress, if they can. 

From there, Paul Lambert's side will look to take advantage of the still rebuilding defense of Arsenal and strike quickly on the counterattack, getting some shots in on Szczesny before he can settle in goal. 

Defense

In the back for Arsenal, look for Szczesny to retain his spot as goalkeeper, as he's been in absolutely fantastic form for the Gunners. 

Out on the right side will be Jenkinson, building on his fairly fantastic form and giving even more attacking prowess, with his stream of crosses he always seems to issue after he makes a winding run up the field. 

In the middle, the duo of Vermaelen and Koscielny can be expected, with Vermaelen attempting to add to his match fitness and get back into a more suitable form for the season, not that he hasn't already done fantastic on his return to the squad. 

Out on the left side, Andre Santos will be given another run. This Brazilian back has had quite a few gaffes in his first few times out for the side, but he seems to be growing more comfortable on the ball and adds that Ashley Cole-esque attacking feature to the side.

Midfield

The midfield lineup for the Gunners should be a fairly straightforward choice, considering the form of those who have been lighting it up for Arsenal.

The holding midfield role will be held by Alex Song, providing that height and tenacity to fight for the ball to the side. He has been a superb vein of form and will be looking to extend that with a start against the Canaries. 

The dynamic duo of Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey can be expected, in their unique, center-midfield/supportive winging midfield roles. These two will be key parts to the trio of cogs in the midfield that will keep the Arsenal machine running smoothly and efficiently. 

Forward

Arsenal have had a potent attacking force thus far this season. With Robin van Persie in the form of his life, expect him to captain and lead his team to a resounding victory over Norwich, as well as being the target man for the side up top. 

Out on the wings is where it gets interesting. Theo Walcott can expect a place in the starting XI after his fantastic performances against Spain and Sweden over the international break. 

On the left side is the only place there could be a bit of experimentation. Gervinho has been a superb attacker and fighter for the side, giving excellent assists and providing that bite to attacking moves that the Gunners have been missing in recent months. 

However, depending on how training has gone, Wenger could start Arshavin on the left, giving a bit of his incisiveness to the side with his fantastic weaving runs. Gervinho may then be brought on as a super-sub to help close out the game for the Gunners. 

With Gervinho in a much better vein of form than the little Russian, I would expect for him to get the nod for the start. 

In Conclusion...

With the Gunners solidifying into a much more gelled and well-oiled machine, I would expect a win out of the side that is in a rich vein of form. 

Aside from the one spot of experimentation, Arsenal look like they are really getting down to a solid starting XI for their side and really moving well as a team and as a whole. 

Expect a good match from the Gunners as they look to hop even further up the table with a strong performance against a stuttering Norwich side.