Arsenal's 2012/13 campaign has been somewhat similar to that of their campaigns in previous years. They have their ups and downs, but despite not challenging for a Premier League title, they manage to pull together in a way of giving them a chance at Champions League football.
Just two months ago, most Arsenal and neutral fans would not give the Gunners a chance at making a top four finish, but as things look right now, their fate is in their own hands.
A match against Norwich City at the Emirates on Saturday should give Arsene Wenger's side a chance of pulling ahead of Tottenham, who does not play this weekend. The full three points would make it four in a row in the Premier League, and five successive victories across all competitions.
The Gunners seem to have found their stride since their 0-2 victory over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Arsene Wenger appears to have put his stubborn attitude aside, and he has gone with what is finally best for the side on the pitch. This new mentality and view of the team has Arsenal playing much better and with more consistency.
Taking on Chris Hughton's side on Saturday will be far from easy, but the Gunners will be looking for revenge. When these two sides met earlier in the season, the Canaries managed a 1-0 victory, handing Arsenal their second league defeat. Wenger's side then went on to lose their next match at home against Schalke as well, causing fans to once again question Wenger's ability to lead this team to glory.
Norwich finds themselves in 14th place with 35 points, just four ahead of the relegation zone. They may be four spots above the danger zone, but they have by no means escaped the possibility of relegation and they will be very well aware of that.
With six matches remaining, every match is very much like a final. A return to the Emirates may not be the most favorable venue to grab points given Arsenal's current form, but at least their last visit to North London ended in a 3-3 draw, giving them some confidence.
Winless in their last five Premier League matches, Norwich is desperate to at least grab a point on Saturday. With the pressure mounting during the final weeks of the season, Norwich will have to take on the Gunners without John Ruddy who is still recovering from thigh surgery, meanwhile goalkeeper Mark Bunn will also be facing a late fitness test.
Arsene Wenger will have to deal with changing his back line with Per Mertesacker serving a suspension after his red card against West Bromwich. Up will step Thomas Vermaelen who has been very inconsistent this season, but hopefully some time on the bench may have sorted things out for him.
Thomas Rosicky, scorer of both Arsenal's goals in their last match will also be facing a fitness test due to a hamstring injury.
Previous Meetings
10-20-12 Norwich 1-0 Arsenal
05-05-12 Arsenal 3-3 Norwich
11-19-11 Norwich 1-2 Arsenal
04-02-05 Arsenal 4-1 Norwich
08-28-04 Norwich 1-4 Arsenal
Prediction
Arsenal's current form, mixed together with what appears to be the annual collapse of Tottenham will have the Gunners ready to go on Saturday. One could argue that of the three London sides chasing the Champions League dream, Arsenal may be in the best form at the moment.
Taking on a Norwich side that has not been all that consistent throughout the year should give the Gunners a good chance to grab the three points, putting additional pressure on their London rivals.
With Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott also ready to come back into the team, this match should be well out reach for the Canaries, but Arsenal does not always make things easy for themselves.
Arsenal 2-0 Norwich
