The Gunners are off to one of their best starts in recent memory, topping the table after seven rounds. They've gone six unbeaten and will be expected to make it seven at home against Norwich City, who will sit in the drop zone at kickoff. However, the Canaries do own wins in two of their last three games in all competitions, beating Watford in the Carling Cup and Stoke in the league.
Arsenal vs. Norwich City: Preview and TV schedule
The Canaries are serious underdogs as they head away to face table-topping Arsenal.
Mesut Özil picked up a knock on international duty, but he’s expected to start for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger has plenty of different attacking and midfield options to field around him, even though a number of senior players remain on the training table.
Any points at all could seriously jumpstart Norwich’s campaign, but Chris Hughton will be unconcerned if his team can’t quite pull off an upset in North London. Next week’s game -- at home against Cardiff -- will be an entirely different animal.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Theo Walcott (abdominal), Yaya Sanogo (back), Lukas Podolski (hamstring), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee), Abou Diaby (knee). In doubt: Mesut Özil (knee), Tomas Rosicky (calf), Bacary Sagna (hamstring), Santi Cazorla (ankle).
Norwich injuries and suspensions
Out: Earl Bennett (knee). In doubt: Anthony Pilkington (hamstring)
As usual, Arsenal's injury list is long. All of the players listed as in doubt are only slight doubts. Expect to see all of them make the 18-man squad. Norwich have of the thinnest injury lists in the country. Pilkington is expected to face a late fitness test.
Projected lineups
Arsenal: Szczesny, Gibbs, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Sagna, Flamini, Arteta, Ramsey, Özil, Cazorla, Giroud
Norwich: Ruddy, Olsson, Bassong, Turner, Martin, Tettey, Fer, Howson, Redmond, van Wolfswinkel, Snodgrass
Rumors have circulated that Cazorla and Özil could finally start together in this match. Both have dealt with slight injuries lately, but are expected to be fit to start. With Pilkington facing a late fitness test, expect to see Nathan Redmond and Robert Snodgrass flanking Ricky van Wolfswinkel.
Match date/time: Saturday, 3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
TV: Extra Time (U.S.)
Online: NBC Live Extra (U.S.)
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