Struggling Norwich hope to end the barren run of results and escape the relegation zone by beating Arsenal, but that appears to be a mission impossible at the moment. The Gunners keep raising their form and they could easily return to the top 4 with three points from Carrow Road.

Second season syndrome

Norwich City have been making giant strides over the last couple of years, with their promotion to the Premier League seen as a huge surprise. It was even more surprising to see the Canaries survive their maiden season in the top flight, but they are now experiencing what people refer to as second season syndrome. That is exactly what happens when the excitement subsides and when other teams realize their strengths and weaknesses, so it does feel normal to see Norwich deep in the relegation zone. With coach Paul Lambert leaving the club last summer, the Canaries have been struggling to rediscover the form that had served them so well last season, as a result of which they have picked up just 3 points so far. Having lost their last three encounters, the Canaries look destined for another defeat as they prepare to face in-form Arsenal.

Robert Snodgrass remains doubtful with an ankle problem, but Steven Whittaker and Harry Kane are out injured.

Arsenal keep improving

Arsenal had been dealt a major blow as they stayed without Robin van Persie and Alex Song in off season, but the new signings have done really well to compensate for the departures. The Gunners may have had a slow start to the Premier League campaign, but things slowly fell into place as the likes of Cazorla, Podolski and Giroud start having a bigger impact on team’s showing. Champions League win over Olympiakos and league triumph over in-form West Ham proved the team are playing with a lot of confidence and when that is the case not even much stronger sides than Norwich are able to stop Arsene Wenger’s machinery. Given that the return of Jack Wilshire will be an additional boost for the squad, it is fair to say Arsenal look a good bet to bring all three points to the Emirates.

Jack Wilshire is in Arsenal’s squad for the Norwich game, but Wojciech Szczesny, Lukasz Fabianski, Theo Walcott, Abou Diaby, Kieran Gibbs and Laurent Koscielny are all out.

Verdict

Norwich are all over the place at the moment and after losing their last three league games, the Canaries cannot be expected to fare much better against Arsenal. The Gunners are on top of their game at the moment and they should have no problems winning this game.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 1.57 (4/7)

Bookmaker: Paddy Power