Arsenal team news: Expected line-up vs Norwich as Mikel Arteta battles for future

Arteta launches staunch defence of Arsenal's transfer policy

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Arsenal host Norwich City as the Premier League action returns on Saturday with manager Mikel Arteta under pressure. The Gunners lost their first three league games of the season, but have a chance to end that poor run against Daniel Farke’s side, who are also yet to take a single point.

Express Sport takes a look at the Arsenal team Arteta could pick as he looks to kick-start his side’s season in the Emirates Stadium clash.

Goalkeeper – Bernd Leno

There has been speculation Arteta could spring a surprise by handing Aaron Ramsdale a first Premier League start since his move from Sheffield United.

But the manager is likely to stick with his No1 Bernd Leno, at least for the time being.

Arteta has form for keeping faith with Leno, having stuck with him despite Emiliano Martinez impressing last summer.

So Ramsdale might have to wait for another chance, despite having enjoyed a decent dubyt against West Brom in the Carabao Cup.

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Defence – Chambers, White, Gabriel, Tierney

Arteta is boosted by return to fitness of both Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes for the clash against Norwich.

White missed the defeats to Chelsea and Man City after testing positive for COVID-19, while Gabriel is fit again following a knee injury.

Kieran Tierney will continue at left-back, while Calum Chambers could return at right-back with the role still up for grabs at the moment.

Arteta can also call on Takehiro Tomiyasu after his work permit was approved following his deadline-day signing from Bologna.

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Midfield – Partey, Lokonga, Odegaard

Thomas Partey is another player who is fit again, having recovered from an ankle injury.

Granit Xhaka is suspended following his red card against Man City, while Mohamed Elneny is out with a hamstring strain.

That could mean another chance to impress for Albert Sambi Lokonga, despite the summer signing having suffered a slight issue which caused him to miss Belgium’s game against Belarus.

Martin Odegaard will continue in the attacking playmaker role, while the Gunners staff will need to check on Emile Smith-Rowe after he was ill on England under-21 duty.

Attack – Pepe, Aubameyang, Saka

Having started on the right against City, Bukayo Saka could revert to the left wing with Nicolas Pepe coming back in on the opposite flank.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was starved of service against City, but looked sharp as he scored a hat-trick in the win over West Brom a few days earlier, and will likely lead the line.

Arteta will also be able to call on the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Gabriel Martinelli from the bench.

Arsenal predicted XI vs Norwich (4-2-3-1): Leno; Chambers, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Lokonga; Pepe, Odegaard, Saka; Aubameyang.

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