Norwich City v Arsenal - Boxing Day. 15 PM GMT KO - The Arsenal discussion community: One More in the Tolly

Norwich City v Arsenal - Boxing Day. 15 PM GMT KO

Sicario

Rumours that this game was going to be called off but think it will go ahead now (fingers crossed). Norwich have many injuries/Covid cases so we really should try and take advantage.

However, the conundrum for Arteta is do you continue our momentum and play a strong side knowing that we have Wolves in like 48 hours time 😆

Or do you play a ‘carabo cup’ side against a depleted Norwich side and rest the big guns for Wolves (who would have 10 days rest prior to our game)?

QuincyAbeyie

We have very good depth for the number of games we have. ESR, Pepe, Saka, Martinelli and Øde should all play at least one game each while one of them play both. Nketiah or Auba + Tavares and AMN should also play one I think.

Sicario

Auba 😆

Qwiss

This is the best chance for Arteta to rest a few that we'll have all winter. I'd leave Saka, White, Tomi and Xhaka all out (it'd be Partey but he's going away anyway). Maybe even Odegaard too.

KingslandBarge

Looking forward to this and the team should be brimming with intent and confidence. I would tweak but not sure I'd make more than 3 changes. Earn rotation by killing the game sooner.

Ray

The Wolves game might even be called off anyway. Just go full strength and get 3 points, anything less is unacceptable.

Like Arteta says he should have fighters in his team for 2 games in 48 hours rather than victims blaming a fixture schedule.

Sicario

Ray wrote:
The Wolves game might even be called off anyway. Just go full strength and get 3 points, anything less is unacceptable.

Like Arteta says he should have fighters in his team for 2 games in 48 hours rather than victims blaming a fixture schedule.

No reason why the Wolves game will be called off. As far as I know they have zero cases and apart from a couple we are good as well (touch wood).

Play strongest team today imo but if we are leading by some margin have the Wolves game in mind in terms of subbing players around 60th min. Game and fixture management important here.

banduan

We need to rotate regardless, the players from other teams are dropping like flies from fixture congestion. If the Wolves game is called off so be it.

This is as good a game as any for Pepe to try to make his mark and get his position back from Saka, ESR and Gabi.

QuincyAbeyie

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Gazza M

was it confirmed that tomi was out for this?

QuincyAbeyie

He was a doubt, but it wasn't confirmed I think.

Klaus

Patino on the bench over Maitland-Niles 😆

Sicario

Klaus wrote:
Patino on the bench over Maitland-Niles 😆

The latter could still be ill

Shady

That Norwich team is horrendous. I want 3 by HT.

Klaus

Sicario wrote:
Klaus wrote:
Patino on the bench over Maitland-Niles 😆

The latter could still be ill

He was back in training two days ago. I suppose he could have fallen ill again though.

Qwiss

Should absolutely destroy Norwich with this team.

Qwiss

Cedric, Tommy and AMN all have Covid.

Clrnc

Wow that Norwjch team. Lady luck really shining on us.

Finally we see White at RB. hope he does well there could be great to finally try Tomi at CB if white is good there

IBL

Qwiss! wrote:
Should absolutely destroy Norwich with this team.

Let's hope so, this is a great opportunity to get more points and improve our goal difference whilst so many games are being cancelled.

Doc

Feel like we could have rotated a bit, with a game in 2 day and Wolves game being postponed. Hopefully we can get some early subs in.