After a bumpy landing on the runway of Project Restart, Arsenal now have back-to-back wins to their name.
Though it took a late goal from Dani Ceballos for them to edge past Sheffield United in the FA Cup at the weekend, it was a tough match at Bramall Lane and they did well not to crumble under sustained pressure from Chris Wilder’s side.
That followed a straightforward win against Southampton in the Premier League last week.
After their dire opening defeats to Manchester City and Brighton, there have been tentative signs of improvement.
Mikel Arteta rotated against Sheffield United which, given that games are coming thick and fast, was no surprise.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang didn’t feature, while Dani Ceballos, Rob Holding and Eddie Nketiah were all restricted to appearances from the bench.
Arteta is likely to rotate back when Arsenal face Norwich at the Emirates on Wednesday evening.
Here’s how Arsenal are expected to line-up against the Premier League’s rock-bottom team.
Defence
With Bernd Leno still recovering from the knee injury he sustained against Brighton, Emi Martinez will continue in goal.
Arteta has trialled a back three over the last couple of games and, given that the change has coincided with consecutive victories, it would be a surprise were he to return to a back four against Norwich.
David Luiz picked up a knock at Bramall Lane, however, and may not feature. In his absence, Kieran Tierney could start on the left side of the defence with Shkodran Mustafi in the middle and Rob Holding on the right.
Meanwhile, Sead Kolasinac and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are likely to make way for Bukayo Saka and Hector Bellerin at left and right wing-back respectively.
Expected starters: Martinez; Bellerin, Holding, Mustafi, Tierney, Saka
Midfield
Out with an ankle fracture since March, Lucas Torreira is now close to making a comeback.
Norwich will come too soon for him, however, so Granit Xhaka is likely to start at the base of midfield once again.
Brought on as a substitute to great effect against Sheffield United, Ceballos should slot in alongside him.
Mesut Ozil is out with a back injury, apparently, so Arsenal are likely to set up without a traditional No 10.
Expected starters: Ceballos, Xhaka
Attack
After scoring the opener against Sheffield United, Nicolas Pepe now has two goals since the resumption of the season.
Having struggled so badly for confidence earlier in the campaign, he will be desperate to preserve his newfound momentum.
He should start on the right of the front three, with a well rested Aubameyang slotting in on the left.
Alexandre Lacazette started at Bramall Lane but went a fourth consecutive game without a goal, which could well see Nketiah replace him.
Expected starters: Pepe, Nketiah, Aubameyang
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from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/2Zne0sl
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