Saturdays late kick off sees Norwich host Arsenal at Carrow Road in the Premier League as both sides look to come straight out of the blocks after the international break. Norwich are undoubtedly suffering from second season syndrome after the honeymoon that was the last campaign in which they surprised fans and pundits with their coherent displays against the finest of opposition. They languish way down in 19th place, yet to win a game with only three draws to their name thus far. They will be looking to Grant Holt to provide goals for them against the Gunners as they seek their first win of the season, the big frontman being their top scorer with a fearsome two goals. Arsenal come into the game bearing casualties from the international break, but will be confident that they have enough quality to wrap the points up from this game. Olivier Giroud is finding his form, scoring for France during in their qualifier with Spain after finally netting his first Premier League goal against West Ham. Santi Cazorla will likely provide the creative spark for the Gunners after a stellar performance at Upton Park, and with Mikel Arteta still leading the European passing statistics tables, Arsenal have the midfield engine needed to overrun the Canaries. Three points for Norwich would provide them with a massive boost on which to build the rest of their season, they have had a very tough run of fixtures, with a win against Arsenal being the perfect medicine. For Arsenal, this game is absolutely must-win. While the start of the season has been better than last season, thats not saying much and a team of their calibre should really be aiming for more than 12 points from 7 games. Norwich could climb above the relegation zone with a positive result, while Arsenal could theoretically be propelled 5 places into second place if they win, it should be an interesting watch.
Norwich Team News: Norwich hope to have forward Robert Snodgrass available for the clash after he returned early from international duty with Scotland because of an ankle problem. Defender Steven Whittaker has returned to full training after his pre-season ankle problem, but is not yet being considered for a first-team return. Loanee Tottenham striker Harry Kane is sidelined by a broken metatarsal.
Arsenal Team News: Arsenal will be without Laurent Koscielny (back), Kieran Gibbs (thigh) and Theo Walcott (bruised lung). Emmanuel Frimpong could be back in the squad however after recovering from his long-term knee problem. First-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny (ankle), Abou Diaby (thigh), Jack Wilshere (ankle), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Bacary Sagna (broken leg) and Lukasz Fabianski (ankle) complete Arsenals ridiculous injury list.