Premier League: Arsenal v Norwich match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Emirates

Jack Wilshere should return (GETTY IMAGES)

Norwich travel to the Emirates hoping to block out a side that have won three on the bounce and hunting down north London rivals in fourth place as they seek a Champions League place.

Chris Hughton’s side drew against Swansea at home last week and will look to continue their pragmatic pursuit of enough points to secure Premier League survival. Arsenal may be welcoming back attacking forces with Theo Walcott declaring himself fit and the clamour for Jack Wilshere’s reintroduction pushing the decibel levels, but they will be confident the like of Laurent Koscielny can keep the Canaries in check.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Norwich 1 (Holt) Arsenal 0, Premier League, October 2012

Arsenal 3 (Benayoun, van Persie 2) Norwich 3 (Hoolahan, Holt, Morison), Premier League, May 2012

Norwich 1 (Morison) Arsenal 2 (van Persie 2), Premier League, November 2011

STATS…

Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla has not been slowed by the English game. Saturday will be his 31st start of the season.

Only West Ham and Stoke (9) have less goals away from home than Norwich, who have scored 12.

On average, Arsenal have tested the goalkeeper less this season compared to last, with their average shots per game down from 15.89 to 14.9, while their average crosses per game are down from 7.89 to 6.9.

Norwich have drawn more matches than any other team in the division, with 14.

ODDS…

Arsenal to win: 1.26

Norwich to win: 14.5

Draw: 6.8

CLASSIC MATCH...

In 1989 this fixture fell into anarchy as a 19-man brawl erupted following Arsenal’s second penalty of the day. Norwich threw away a 3-2 lead in the last 10 minutes, losing 4-3. Alan Smith may not have fond memories, having sustained a cut above his eye whilst amid the melee, but as comebacks go it was a cracker.

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.20pm