Arsenal came back from a horrific loss at the Hawthorns to reignite their Champions League hopes with a demonstrative 3-0 win against Dinamo Zagreb. Even without Francis Coquelin, Arsenal looked remarkably composed and proved yet again how well they can play when backed into a corner.
But that was the Champions League, this is the Premier League. Arsenal are back in fourth place, their throne. The Gunners missed out on two consecutive opportunities to go to the top of the table, but instead matched Manchester City’s lapses with lapses of their own. And now Leicester City have run to the top of the table.
This is a wide open title race. So many teams are in it and they figure to be until the very last minute. While it was Manchester City and Arsenal that looked the two ready to duel it out, they have since fallen on hard times. Manchester United and everyone’s favorite upstart Leicester City have since overtaken them as favorites. And not far behind us is Tottenham. Isn’t that unnerving.
Arsenal is in a complete injury mess. That is the main problem. And you can blame whoever you want, the point is that it is what we are currently dealing with. Francis Coquelin is hurt. That is a mess enough. Theo Walcott is still not back, nor is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky all appear a few months off as well.
But Arsenal have to be able to push forth. They did against Zagreb and if Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud can keep combining with the addition of Aaron Ramsey, this Gunners side has all the necessary tools to take the title.
It all starts with Norwich City and with these probable starters. We will start where we always do, at the back.

Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/">
When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury?
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/">
2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/">
Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/">
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start?
</a>
</ul>
</div></p>
<p>Arsenal is in a complete injury mess. That is the main problem. And you can blame whoever you want, the point is that it is what we are currently dealing with. Francis Coquelin is hurt. That is a mess enough. Theo Walcott is still not back, nor is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky all appear a few months off as well.</p>
<p>But Arsenal have to be able to push forth. They did against Zagreb and if Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud can keep combining with the addition of Aaron Ramsey, this Gunners side has all the necessary tools to take the title.</p>
<p>It all starts with Norwich City and with these probable starters. We will start where we always do, at the back.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">Goalie</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="getty embed image" style="background-color: #fff;font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color: #a7a7a7;font-size: 11px;width: 100%">
<div style="overflow: hidden;height: 0;padding: 68.855219% 0 0 0;width: 100%"><iframe loading="lazy" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/498317744?et=0i9-Q8MPRBp5N9QaGWGxtA&viewMoreLink=on&sig=DWO1CZ4ODAftk1FJDRBJXCeN0uGe8evU-2I5MmS1lIo=&caption=true%22 scrolling="no" height="409" width="594" style="width: 100%;height: 100%"></iframe></div>
<div style="padding: 0;margin: 0 0 0 10px;text-align: left"><a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/498317744" target="_blank">View image</a> | <a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">gettyimages.com</a></div>
</div>
<h3 style="font-size:34px;">Petr Cech</h3>
<p>Petr Cech finally kept a clean sheet again. Although it is impossible to blame him for the goals that Tottenham and West Brom scored against him. He was powerless to stop them. Similarly, Zagreb was powerless to even make Petr Cech break a sweat.<div class="recent-posts ">
<h4>More from <b>Pain in the Arsenal</b></h4>
<ul>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/">
Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/">
When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury?
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/">
2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/">
Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/">
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start?
</a>
</ul>
</div></p>
<p>Norwich City is fresh off a dull affair where they let Chelsea past them by a score of 1-0. If you lose to Chelsea, you hold a special place in the basement of the Premier League. Petr Cech does not figure to be tested too much against the Canaries, but you can’t take anything for granted. The good news is the same good news that we have always had – if he is tested, we know that Cech will respond.</p>
<p>Petr Cech is not a keeper to be trifled with. After the West Ham embarrassment, we have seen no mistakes from the Czech stopper. Look for that to continue when Arsenal welcomes the canaries to town.</p>
<p>Next up, we check out our world class full back pair.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">Fullbacks</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="getty embed image" style="background-color: #fff;font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color: #a7a7a7;font-size: 11px;width: 100%">
<div style="overflow: hidden;height: 0;padding: 64.646465% 0 0 0;width: 100%"><iframe loading="lazy" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/498622554?et=m2kvk6CMRXduMSeAFcAMXw&viewMoreLink=on&sig=_GncKIEYDFqcKlzr_Ra8AmLmDkghoSAAhLe8RkygU9U=&caption=true%22 scrolling="no" height="384" width="594" style="width: 100%;height: 100%"></iframe></div>
<div style="padding: 0;margin: 0 0 0 10px;text-align: left"><a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/498622554" target="_blank">View image</a> | <a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">gettyimages.com</a></div>
</div>
<h3 style="font-size:34px;">Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal</h3>
<p>It only took a game for Hector Bellerin to get his bearings back. The young Spaniard had trouble against West Brom but was back to his usual dominant self just a few days later against Dinamo Zagreb. Hopefully that is all it took to get him back to his quality form. Arsenal need Hector Bellerin in top form because of the amazing versatility that he brings.</p>
<p>The 20-year old is fantastic on defense but he is just as impressive on offense. We saw him cut loose on a shot against Zagreb that was unfortunately blocked, but he has scored goals before. And you can bet he will score again.</p>
<p><strong>Related: <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/23/arsenals-top-10-champions-league-moments/" target="_blank">Arsenal’s Top 10 Champions League Moments</a></strong></p>
<p>Meanwhile, Nacho Monreal is still fantastic. He never seems to have off games for Arsenal. If he does, he manages to come back the next time out and erase that anomaly of a bad game from our memories. The Canaries do not have that many weapons on the flanks. That will most likely spell a good game for our two full backs, with plenty of freedom to barrage forward and help out the attack.</p>
<p>Moving on, we hit on the center back combo that should not be, but that unfortunately is.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">Center Backs</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="getty embed image" style="background-color: #fff;font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color: #a7a7a7;font-size: 11px;width: 100%">
<div style="overflow: hidden;height: 0;padding: 69.360269% 0 0 0;width: 100%"><iframe loading="lazy" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/498634444?et=xiBofYpSSKFSNCN0Z6unpQ&viewMoreLink=on&sig=8-RhV-qfPCPpyFy1GTf4-5IX8B4pWygsCHPYlsuPsis=&caption=true%22 scrolling="no" height="412" width="594" style="width: 100%;height: 100%"></iframe></div>
<div style="padding: 0;margin: 0 0 0 10px;text-align: left"><a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/498634444" target="_blank">View image</a> | <a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">gettyimages.com</a></div>
</div>
<h3 style="font-size:34px;">Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny</h3>
<p>I guess this is the pairing now. For some reason Gabriel Paulista is not being used anymore and it is a major question mark. Per Mertesacker has his perks, sure, but not like Gabriel does. The big German has to keep getting started as a matter of respect. Maybe Arsene Wenger does not see anyone that can deliver the same leadership abilities that Mertesacker does.</p>
<p>But at the end of the day, while leadership is nice and all, it is athletic ability on the pitch that matters the most. Per can sit back and absorb pressure, but he can also get caught out. Gabriel Paulista’s athleticism is being missed on the bench.</p>
<p>Laurent Koscielny does not need many words. He is a sentinel at the back. He was even blistering forward against Zagreb. When the Croations left him enough space, the Frenchman turned on the jets and blew through the opposition as if they were not even there. He made some fantastic tackles while tracking back as well. It all serves as a little positive reinforcement that Laurent Koscielny is as world-class as they come and he is all Arsenal’s.</p>
<p>Next up, onto the midfield and the hole left by Francis Coquelin.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">Defensive Midfield</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="getty embed image" style="background-color: #fff;font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color: #a7a7a7;font-size: 11px;width: 100%">
<div style="overflow: hidden;height: 0;padding: 68.350168% 0 0 0;width: 100%"><iframe loading="lazy" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/498628758?et=mSizQOOMQvV2oJaNBhiJ0Q&viewMoreLink=on&sig=tTieOHqHgndFqwdMbkkOK8Y2I0dGWQYleje8EMzDO4M=&caption=true%22 scrolling="no" height="406" width="594" style="width: 100%;height: 100%"></iframe></div>
<div style="padding: 0;margin: 0 0 0 10px;text-align: left"><a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/498628758" target="_blank">View image</a> | <a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">gettyimages.com</a></div>
</div>
<h3 style="font-size:34px;">Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla</h3>
<p>Mathieu Flamini was good. He really was. I was impressed. But if Ramsey is back healthy, I would much rather see him paired with Santi Cazorla. Give Ramsey a central role where he is crucial to the team and he will excel. He may need a few matches to get his legs back underneath him but it will all be worth it.<div class="recent-posts ">
<h4>More from <b>Pain in the Arsenal</b></h4>
<ul>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/">
Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/">
When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury?
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/">
2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/">
Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023
</a>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/">
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start?
</a>
</ul>
</div></p>
<p>The Welshman’s engine is nonstop. He never tires and he can recover no matter where he is on the pitch. The only potential problem is when he gets too far ahead of the play and the opposing team comes on the counter, but in the end, Flamini was not much different. Ramsey has the same intensity and more strength than Flamini does. Plus he is less likely to draw a yellow card or two.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
<div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_38007" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;">
<script>
googletag.cmd.push(function () {
googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet")
.addService(googletag.pubads());
googletag.enableServices();
googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet");
});
</script>
</div>
</div> </div> </div>
<p>Santi Cazorla is so incredibly good on the ball and in passing but he is so incredibly bad in front goal. For that, I am beginning to understand why he was moved into a deeper role. There are few people that look more confident on the ball than Santi Cazorla. At Arsenal or anywhere. He can dribble through anyone. His passes rarely miss their mark. For that, he deserves massive credit.</p>
<p>But what happens when he gets in front of goal? Why does he have this inane tendency to scuff the ball into the stands? Even on penalty kicks.</p>
<p>Oh well. I’ll take the composure on the ball any day.</p>
<p>Next up, the wings.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">Wings</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="getty embed image" style="background-color: #fff;font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color: #a7a7a7;font-size: 11px;width: 100%">
<div style="overflow: hidden;height: 0;padding: 66.835017% 0 0 0;width: 100%"><iframe loading="lazy" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/498631274?et=Etqs9sa9QbhZm2lFvM2J3Q&viewMoreLink=on&sig=kUdDTs9k5eEb2pBNgcTVnn8E2w0MbaUoUw2u06bIyf0=&caption=true%22 scrolling="no" height="397" width="594" style="width: 100%;height: 100%"></iframe></div>
<div style="padding: 0;margin: 0 0 0 10px;text-align: left"><a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/498631274" target="_blank">View image</a> | <a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">gettyimages.com</a></div>
</div>
<h3 style="font-size:34px;">Alexis Sanchez and Joel Campbell</h3>
<p>There is a really good chance that Arsene Wenger refuses to adjust his game plan. A really good chance. That is what Arsene Wenger does. So we will probably see Aaron Ramsey back out on the right side. Right wing has never been Ramsey’s position, but Wenger has it ingrained in his head that it is, and now we have to accept it.</p>
<p>And yet, with Francis Coquelin out, I would really hope that Ramsey is moved into the position that he has been yearning for. He rocked the position out in the 2013/14 and carried the team. But lets assume that Wenger goes for the improbable and starts who should start. Joel Campbell deserves to retain his spot for now. He has showed such tremendous composure on the ball, something not even the Ox has shown. He is consistent.</p>
<p>An opportunity is all he needed. The young Costa Rican scored a goal in his debut and he added an assist in his most recent outing. He has to be given a prolonged run.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Alexis Sanchez is about to start another goal spurt. Best not to rest him.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg slider"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"#"><span class="next amp-next-post-teaser">Next: </span><span class="amp-get-next-post">No. 10 and Striker</span></a></div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div class="getty embed image" style="background-color: #fff;font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color: #a7a7a7;font-size: 11px;width: 100%">
<div style="overflow: hidden;height: 0;padding: 75.252525% 0 0 0;width: 100%"><iframe loading="lazy" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/498625596?et=YLSeR4w-T3l-lz93tnXLZw&viewMoreLink=on&sig=2-DyNR-f9Ek8gpwOi0H_p9u8q6ep2EXHB68QB06o8is=&caption=true%22 scrolling="no" height="447" width="594" style="width: 100%;height: 100%"></iframe></div>
<div style="padding: 0;margin: 0 0 0 10px;text-align: left"><a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/498625596" target="_blank">View image</a> | <a style="color: #a7a7a7;text-decoration: none;font-weight: normal !important;border: none" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">gettyimages.com</a></div>
</div>
<h3 style="font-size:34px;">Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil</h3>
<p>For the past few predicted starters, I have considered cutting this part off. It fills itself in. But let’s talk about how wonderful the two are anyway.</p>
<p>Mesut Ozil is physically incapable of not assisting at Arsenal. No matter the match-up, no matter the venue, Mesut Ozil will find space for his team mates and they will score. Ozil has broken three assist records so far this year and it has gotten to the point that it is a slow day if he does not break a record. He will try to make it eight straight games with an assist when Arsenal face the Canaries.</p>
<div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/29/arsenal-predicted-starters-to-face-norwich-city/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/14/arsenals-10-best-signings-ever-under-arsene-wenger/">