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[Image] New signing makes debut, Smith Rowe out: My Arsenal line-up vs Norwich

By mac14 on September 11, 2021

Under pressure Arsenal welcome Norwich City to the Emirates Stadium this afternoon for what’s been dubbed a ‘relegation six pointer’. This is the line-up I’d like to see Mikel Arteta select for the match…

Suddenly we have competition in goal as many feel Aaron Ramsdale deserves a chance to stake his claim for the No.1 shirt. Personally, I still think it’s too early to hand him the gloves so I’d stick with Bernd Leno….for now.

We should see plenty of changes in defence from the side that faced Manchester City last time out. Firstly, I hope we see Arsenal reverting to a back four today as there is no need to go with a three/five at home to Norwich.

Gabriel is available to make his first appearance of the season after recovering from injury and I’d like to see him paired with Ben White – who’s also back in contention after recovering from covid. Rob Holding, Calum Chambers and Sead Kolasinac should all make way.

Kieran Tierney should obviously keep his place at left-back and I’d like to see Arteta give our latest new signing his full debut on the right. Takehiro Tomiyasu has trained with his new team mates for just two days but I’d throw him straight in today. He can’t do any worse than Calum Chambers or Cedric Soares!

Partey returns

In midfield, Arsenal will be without Granit Xhaka as he starts his suspension following his sending off at City and Mo Elneny has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a thigh injury.

However, Thomas Partey is back in contention after recovering from an ankle injury so obviously he should return. Sambi Lokonga is also available despite picking up a knock while away with Belgium so I’d love to see him paired alongside Partey this afternoon.

Emile Smith Rowe is a doubt due to illness and he’ll be given a late fitness test but I’d give Nicolas Pepe a recall in attack if Smith Rowe isn’t 100%. Bukayo Saka should also start and he can swap flanks with Pepe throughout the game.

Martin Odegaard would be my pick in the No.10 role behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Arsenal need their Gabon hitman to start firing in the league. Alexandre Lacazette will therefore have to settle for a place on the bench alongside Gabriel Martinelli.

This would be my Arsenal line-up: