LeeDixon

Match Odds

After 11 games few would have predicted that Norwich would be sitting in the dizzy heights of ninth place in the table. And it's not like they've just been taking points off the weaker teams; their 1-1 draw at Anfield, for example, was thoroughly deserved. And even when they've actually lost against a couple of the big guns, they've certainly given their more illustrious opponents a game. They gave Chelsea plenty of problems in a 3-1 defeat and had a few good chances away at Old Trafford, before succumbing to defeat.

I always enjoyed travelling to Carrow Road as a player. And no, it wasn't because Delia Smith prepared the post-match meal. It's a very intense and personal ground where the Norwich faithful love their football and create a really buzzing atmosphere. They'll make Arsenal well aware that they're about to give them a game.

The Gunners are on a good run and though Robin van Persie (more on him later) has been the one getting all the plaudits, their change in fortunes has been down to improved performances from most of the players who regularly start. There are no one-man teams in the Premier League these days. I expect Arsenal to do it the hard way and they may have to weather a few storms at some stage of the match but I suspect that by hook or by crook, they'll win this game in the end.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

One of the characteristics of this Norwich side under Paul Lambert has been an intent to have a go at their opponents, whoever they are. None of this sitting back and looking to 'nick a goal from a set piece' business. They know that Arsenal are suspect at the back and they're just going to go and try and outscore them. That sounds like a decent plan and is good news for us over 2.5 goals backers.

We're pretty sure Arsenal will have no trouble scoring - Opta tell us that with 11 away goals so far only Manchester City have scored more - and we suspect Norwich will grab at least one of their own. After all, they've conceded an incredible 17 away from home so far (cheers Opta). So over 2.5 goals is a confident selection at 1.7.

To Score

We fancy Norwich to score at least one so who will get it? We know that Arsenal are vulnerable from set-pieces and that the Canaries have scored the joint-most headed goals (six) this season, or so Opta tell us. Grant Holt would normally be the player we'd want to be with given these clues but his start against Aston Villa was his first in seven matches so we can't be sure he'll play from the beginning. Steve Morrison almost certainly will, is good in the air himself and has scored in his last two Premier League matches. He's a good price at 3.2 to do so again.

It wouldn't be a preview of an Arsenal match without mentioning the cash cow that is van Persie. But this I'm pushing the boat out a little this week and predicting he'll actually score at least two. He's done so on four occasions so far this season and at 6.5 he's cracking price to do it again.

2 pts Back Arsenal to win @ 1.75
4 pts Back Over 2.5 goals @ 1.7
1 pt Back Steve Morrison to score @ 3.2
2 pts Back Robin van Persie to score two goals or more @ 6.5

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