Norwich Preview: It should be simple…
157 comments October 20th, 2012
It’s unusual that the most significant piece of team news concerns a player who may not even step foot on the field. Â Nevertheless, the headlines and the terraces are united in their harmonious uttering of two glorious words: Jack’s back.
Jack Wilshere’s agent announced on twitter that after an absence of some 14 months, the midfielder has been included in the matchday squad for this evening’s trip to Norwich. Â It’s unthinkable that he’ll start, and arguably unlikely he’ll even get off the bench for more than a cameo, but it’s a massive step. Â After so long away from the matchday routine, just being involved will provide Jack with a huge boost.
I expect the team to line up as depicted on the right. Â It’s possible that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be included ahead of either Ramsey or Gervinho, but I suspect his late return from international duty with England will count against him.
As the headline suggests, this should be an entirely winnable game. Â Norwich have struggled to cope with mobile attacking forces like Chelsea & Liverpool, and sit towards the bottom of a slowly solidifying Premier League table.
However, Arsenal’s much-heralded defensive solidity seems to have evaporated a little in recent weeks. Â We haven’t kept a clean sheet since the win at Anfield, and I can’t help but feel that the likes of Grant Holt could give us trouble is Norwich are prepared to play in a direct style.
As I write this, Spurs and Chelsea are drawing 1-1 at White Hart Lane. Â Man City too face a tricky-looking game at West Brom. Â Get it right, and this weekend could be a time to gain ground on our rivals.
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