This article is more than 8 years old

This article is more than 8 years old

The chase for third place remains in Arsenal's hands, but with Tottenham and Newcastle in close pursuit there is no room for error. Arsène Wenger's team, without a win in three games, have laboured since Mikel Arteta's injury removed the metronome which keeps everything ticking, and the responsibility to drag them over the line rests with a tired Robin van Persie. With Norwich having metaphorically laid out the beach towels, this is a good opportunity to grab a much needed victory. Norwich have conceded 11 goals in their last three matches, including hat-tricks for Carlos Tevez and Luis Suárez. Van Persie will be hoping the Canaries defence continues to be accommodating. Amy Lawrence

Venue Emirates Stadium, Saturday 12.45pm

Tickets Sold out

Last season n/a

Referee Anthony Taylor

This season's matches 17 Y53, R4, 3.35 cards per game

Odds Arsenal 1-4 Norwich 14-1 Draw 6-1

Arsenal v Norwich City: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic

Arsenal

Subs from Fabianski, Park, André Santos, Chamberlain, Miquel, Squillaci, Djourou, Jenkinson, Coquelin, Chamakh

Doubtful None

Injured Walcott (hamstring, 13 May), Arteta (ankle, Aug), Diaby (thigh, Aug), Mertesacker (ankle, Aug), Frimpong (knee, Sep), Wilshere (ankle, unknown)

Suspended None

Form guide DDLWWL

Disciplinary record Y64 R4

Leading scorer Van Persie 28

Norwich

Subs from Rudd, Steer, Drury, Morison, Crofts, Vaughan, Jackson, Surman, Hoolahan, Lappin, Barnett, Wilbraham

Doubtful Drury (groin)

Injured Whitbread (hamstring, 13 May), Ayala (knee, Aug), Tierny (groin, Aug)

Suspended None

Form guide LLLWDL

Disciplinary record Y55 R3

Leading scorer Holt 13

Match pointers

• Arsenal have not lost to Norwich in any competition since 15 August 1992, when Mark Robins scored twice in a 4-2 win for the Canaries at Highbury

• Norwich have conceded 15 goals in their last four league meetings with Arsenal, including 4-1 home and away defeats in the 2004-05 season

• Johan Djourou has played 99 Premier League games for Arsenal since joining the club in August 2004

• Both of Norwich's clean sheets in 2011-12 have come when Daniel Ayala is in the side. Unfortunately he has played only seven times this season

• If selected, Arsenal's Yossi Benayoun will be playing on his 32nd birthday