Arsenal Aiming to Sustain Momentum Against Nottingham Forest
Looking to build on recent successes, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal is set to face Nottingham Forest in a bid to climb higher in the league standings. Nottingham Forest, led by Nuno Espirito Santo, faces an extra challenge after a goalless draw in the FA Cup fourth-round replay against Bristol City, fawanews arsenal match requiring them to play an additional game.
Despite their league form stumbling in the latest defeat against Brentford, Nuno Espirito Santo has enjoyed a decent start since taking charge. Nottingham Forest has secured wins against Newcastle United and Manchester United, creating anticipation for their clash with Arsenal at City Ground.
Mikel Arteta addressed recent rumors about his potential departure, asserting his commitment to Arsenal. Eager to maintain the positive momentum from the Crystal Palace victory, fawa news nothingham forest vs Arsenal Arteta aims for a successful outing against Nottingham Forest.
Team News & Tactics
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest faces challenges with the absence of AFCON players like Ola Aina, Cheikhou Kouyate, Willy Boly, Serge Aurier, Ibrahim Sangare, and Moussa Niakhate in the knockout stages. Taiwo Awonyi and Felipe are sidelined due to fitness concerns, while doubts loom over Anthony Elanga and Divock Origi. Nuno Espirito Santo may reintroduce Morgan Gibbs-White, who appeared as a substitute against Bristol City.
Forest is likely to persist with a back four against Arsenal, with Murillo and Andrew Omobamidele at the heart of defense. Due to loan restrictions, fawanews Arsenal match Nuno Tavares is ineligible, opening the possibility for Harry Toffolo to take the left-back position. Ryan Yates and Danilo are expected to control the central midfield, with Gibbs-White in an advanced role. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Nicolas Dominguez could feature in the attacking zones, supported by Chris Wood leading the line.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta quashed exit rumors and carefully evaluates player fitness ahead of the Nottingham Forest clash. Injuries to Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice pose considerations, but both may be included in the lineup. Thomas Partey remains sidelined despite returning to full training last week.
Arteta may field a lineup similar to the victorious Crystal Palace game, with a late decision on Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli. The anticipated lineup features a 4-3-3 formation, with Raya in goal, a defensive trio of White, Saliba, and Gabriel, and an attacking midfield trio of Odegaard, Rice, and Havertz. Saka, Jesus, and Trossard are likely to lead the Arsenal attack.
Key Stats
- Nottingham Forest has struggled in recent home games, losing four of their last five in the Premier League.
- Forest has showcased goal-scoring prowess, scoring at least two goals in their last four Premier League matches.
- Arsenal faces a challenge at the City Ground, having lost their last three visits and failing to score in the last two.
- Arsenal leads the division with 11 headed goals for the season.
Player to Watch
Oleksandr Zinchenko
The influential Ukrainian, Oleksandr Zinchenko, returned from injury and made a significant impact against Crystal Palace. Zinchenko's role in the Arsenal setup is crucial, providing incisive passing and tactical positioning. Mikel Arteta looks to Zinchenko to maintain form and contribute to Arsenal's upcoming challenges.
Prediction
Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal
While Arsenal has shown improved finishing, breaking the Nottingham Forest curse at the City Ground remains a challenge. Mikel Arteta aims to lead his team to victory, aware of their recent struggles at this venue. Nottingham Forest's recent draw with Blackpool suggests vulnerability, making Arsenal favorites to secure three points.
