Arsenal vs Norwich predicted XI: Nicolas Pepe or bust

Arsenal looks to make it three matches in a row against Norwich City. Here is how Mikel Arteta will likely line up to see the match through.

Here we are again. At that point when us fans really want to believe that Arsenal has turned a corner into greener pastures. It felt that way when Mikel Arteta first took over and now, with two hard-fought matches won in a row and a third that looks kind of straightforward, it’s hard not to believe. You have to believe, right?

Norwich aren’t in a good place. They aren’t officially relegated yet, so there will still be trouble getting through them, but they should be easily broken. Get that early goal and then we can ideally coast to a fairly comfortable victory.

Did you notice all the italics I used there? Yeah. That’s me trying to convince myself. But you have to believe, right?

Arsenal has a slew of injuries to keep track of. The guys that are absolutely 100% out are Pablo Mari, Bernd Leno, Calum Chambers, and Gabriel Martinelli. The crew of doubts extends beyond that.

Mesut Ozil, David Luiz, Cedric Soares, and Lucas Torreira are all likely to be missing as well, though I’m not convinced any of them would have played even if healthy. They’re all what you would call “out of favor.”

But still, I can’t say this enough, Arsenal has enough of a stockpile to win this. Especially in the attack. We have so many attackers capable of scoring and so few injuries up top that it all should be just fine as long as we put the finishing touches on.

As for formation, Arteta will likely keep that 3-4-3 formation. He has found so much more success with the three-at-the-back set, so there’s no point deviating from it now. With that in mind, let’s dig into the predicted XI. As a side note, this is the first time ever I’ve agreed entirely with WhoScored.com. Which is meaningless, but hey, just so you know.

We start in goal.

Keeper

Emi Martinez has been so good since taking over for Bernd Leno and it makes me incredibly happy for him. He keeps his spot.

On to the centerbacks.