In the history of the Premier League only three teams who were bottom of the table on Christmas Day have done enough in the following six months to stay up and Norwich City go into Boxing Day's clash with Arsenal knowing they must start winning soon if they are to extend their top flight stay into a second season.
Dean Smith's side have not won since November 20 and will face a tough test against Arsenal, who comprehensively outplayed them in a 1-0 win earlier in the season. Mikel Arteta's side have only improved since then and will be looking to tighten their grip on a top four berth. Here is how you can watch the match and what you need to know:
Viewing information
Date: Sunday, Dec. 16 | Time: 10 a.m. ET
Location: Carrow Road -- Norwich, United Kingdom
TV/Live stream: Peacock
Odds: Norwich +650; Draw +340; Arsenal -225 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Norwich: As the Canaries try to scramble out of the deep, dark mine at the bottom of the Premier League they can at least take some form of solace in the knowledge that they know what needs to be fixed. With 17 games played Dean Smith's side have scored just eight goals; Teemu Pukki has scored five (two of them penalties) and no one else in the squad has scored more than one.
US international Josh Sargent was supposed to aid Pukki but has yet to do so as he chases his first Premier League goal, one his manager believes should come soon. "If he keeps working hard the rewards usually come," said Smith. "He is a really diligent lad who works hard every day. He understands the game and you can see that there's a want and a need to go and score that first goal and, once he does, I am sure he will be flying."
Arsenal: While Norwich come into this game relatively fresh it has been a grueling fixture list for Arsenal, one that will only get tougher with them due to host Wolves less than 48 hours later. That fixture has become all the tougher with their opponents' Boxing Day clash against Leeds postponed and Arteta may feel compelled to play a weaker side at Carrow Road so he has the attacking firepower required to break down his next opponents.
Eddie Nketiah could retain his place in the side after a hat trick in the EFL Cup whilst CBS Sports revealed on Thursday that Arsenal are in talks with the Ghanaian football federation to ensure Thomas Partey can be available to face Wolves.
Prediction
Whatever side Arsenal name they ought to have enough to get the job done against a struggling Norwich. Pick: Norwich 0 Arsenal 2
