England Premier League
Sunday 26th December 2021
Kick off at 3pm GMT
Venue: Carrow Road
Match Preview:
Norwich have been bottom of the league for the majority of the season but there was a mini revival when Dean Smith was given the job, that seems to have faded now. The Canaries come into this game in last place and have lost their last three.
Norwich’s last game ended in a 2-0 defeat at home to the in form Aston Villa in a result that didn’t seem in doubt before a ball was kicked. One team chock-a-block full of confidence and the other one lacking even the basic tools at times to apply themselves. It’s not all doom and gloom of course and we have seen good moments from Norwich, even in their recent 1-0 defeat against Manchester United they did play good football.
Despite such a poor start to the campaign Norwich are only 3 points from safety and as we approach the half way point to the season there is still so much to play for. But with just two wins from 17 games played the omens do not look good for the club coming into this game.
Arsenal have been one of the most in form sides in the league and after a sluggish start it has to be said that on the whole Mikel Arteta has done a fine job with the team he has. The Gunners have put the disappointment of losing to Everton at the beginning of the month clearly behind them and won their last 3 games. Even the recent off the field story where striker Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang was disciplined for lateness and stripped of his captaincy hasn’t rocked the boat.
Arsenal’s latest victory over West Ham was significant and moved them into fourth place and if Arteta’s team finish there they will be absolutely happy. But maybe just maybe they have their eye on 3rd place as Chelsea have shown a little weakness about them in recent weeks and Arsenal are only six points adrift of the Blues.
On the road Arsenal have had their struggles and have lost 5 games from 9 however a 3 game losing streak did come to an end against Leeds with the Gunners demolishing their opponents 4-1.
Team News:
Norwich: Grant Hanley is out with his on going shoulder injury. Ozan Kabak could return from a calf injury. Mathias Normann has a pelvic issue and is 50/50 to return. Andrew Omobamidele has a back injury and has been ruled out. Milot Rashica has a groin injury but does have an outside chance to take part in this game. Lukas Rupp is a doubt with illness but will be assessed. Christoph Zimmermann has an ongoing ankle injury and has been ruled out for this game but could return just after.
Arsenal: Sead Kolasinac has an ankle injury and isn’t due back for four weeks. Pablo Mari is ruled out because of Covid-19. Takehiro Tomiyasu has a muscle injury but could be assessed and back in contention.
Norwich vs Arsenal Head to Head:
This fixture finished 2-2 in 2019 when they last played each other at Nowich’s ground.
Earlier in the season Arsenal won the reverse fixture 1-0.
It’s been 10 games and nine years since Norwich beat Arsenal.
Norwich vs Arsenal Prediction:
Arsenal are around 1.44 to win this but we think we can squeeze extra value from them and back the Gunners on the -1 asian handicap. Arsenal really impressed against Leeds putting four goals past them and now they will face a side who have been poorer than Leeds this season.
To make it clear Norwich are in for a difficult game and will have to spend a lot of time without the ball. Arsenal are on a high and we expect them to not only win but a good win too. The home side will set up defensively but doing that can actually get your own fans on your back, everything for us points to an Arsenal victory and perhaps we are witnessing a new chapter for Arteta at the club. The Gunners do seem to have gone up a level and made that step forward.
Norwich vs Arsenal Betting Tips:
Asian handicap (-1 Arsenal) at 1.675
Anytime goalscorer: Alexandre Lacazette at 2.00
Anytime goalscorer: Gabriel Martinelli at 2.30
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