The Breakdown: Arsenal v Norwich preview

We return to Carabao Cup action on Tuesday when we take on Norwich City in the fourth round at Emirates Stadium.

Ahead of the game, tactical expert Michael Cox examines our opponents in detail to pinpoint their strengths, dangerman and areas to target.

MANAGER

 

Norwich City made a somewhat exciting managerial appointment last summer, bringing in Borussia Dortmund’s reserve coach Daniel Farke. He took time to settle in, and Norwich lost three of their opening five matches, but then they embarked upon a nine-match unbeaten run and appear equipped for a steady play-off challenge.   

 

FORMATION

 

Expect a 4-2-3-1 at the Emirates, although this will look more like two banks of four for long periods without the ball.

 

STRENGTHS

 

Farke has unashamedly said that his managerial philosophy is ‘about dominating matches’, and Norwich have generally controlled possession well this season. Their pass completion rate is the third-highest in the Championship behind Nottingham Forest and Fulham. They spread play to the flanks quickly, where the likes of Josh Murphy and Yanic Wildschut are good dribblers, and look to go for goal themselves, or play dangerous cut-backs, rather than blindly crossing the ball.

 

DANGERMAN

 

Farke is likely to rotate his side, so it depends on who plays – but Norwich have a variety of playmakers. Mario Vrancic, a left-footed creative No 10, enjoyed three good campaigns in the Bundesliga and looks impressive having taken a step down to a second-tier club. Youngster James Maddison has also caught the eye this season with a couple of outstanding long-range goals. Veteran Wes Hoolahan, now 35, remains a wonderfully-talented creator, but is probably more likely to be used as a substitute. 

 

AREAS TO TARGET

 

Norwich’s defending hasn’t been particularly impressive this season, and they’ve looked rather vulnerable when defending set-pieces at times.