Arsenal will face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Tuesday evening in a crucial match that brings back painful memories of their previous defeat at the hands of Forest. Both teams come into this game with different results in their recent matches.
Match preview
Nottingham Forest secured their place in the Premier League for the second consecutive year by defeating Arsenal last season.
However, their third-straight season in the top-flight is not guaranteed. Under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest has witnessed high-scoring games, with 26 goals scored in his first six matches in charge.
They recently drew 0-0 with Bristol City in the FA Cup, following a 3-2 victory over Blackpool.
Arsenal, on the other hand, returned to winning ways with a dominant 5-0 win against Crystal Palace.
They showcased their attacking prowess, with Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard all finding the back of the net. This victory ended a seven-game winless streak for Arsenal.
Both teams have had mixed form in the Premier League, with Nottingham Forest having won two, lost three, and drawn one of their last six matches.
Arsenal’s form stands at two wins, two draws, and two losses in their last six league games.
Team News
Nottingham Forest will be without several key players due to their involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Ola Aina, Cheikhou Kouyate, Willy Boly, Serge Aurier, Ibrahim Sangare, and Moussa Niakhate will all be absent.
Additionally, Taiwo Awoniyi, Anthony Elanga, and Divock Origi are recovering from injuries and may not feature in Tuesday’s game.
Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still competing in the Africa Cup of Nations. Jurrien Timber and Fabio Vieira are out with long-term injuries.
There are concerns over the fitness of Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes, who suffered injuries in their previous match against Crystal Palace.
Possible lineups
Nottingham Forest: (4-2-3-1)
Turner;
Montiel, Omobamidele, Murillo, Toffolo;
Mangala, Yates;
Gibbs-White, Danilo, Hudson-Odoi;
Wood
Arsenal: (4-3-3)
Raya;
White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko;
Odegaard, Rice, Havertz;
Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal
Despite Arsenal’s recent struggles at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest’s injury woes may give the Gunners an advantage. With their attacking confidence restored, Arsenal is likely to secure a 2-0 victory.
