Arsenal predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest: Charlie Patino in 4-3-3?

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Charlie Patino of Arsenal (L) celebrates after scoring their team's fifth goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on December 21, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 01: Charlie Patino of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal U23 and Brighton & Hove Albion U23 at Emirates Stadium on October 01, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images) /

Midfielders

Albert Sambi Lokonga (DM) – Set for his first start since the 2-0 win over Newcastle back in late November, the Belgian is going to be seeing plenty of action across January with him being the only available senior midfielder in the entire squad for this match.

Emile Smith Rowe (CM) – As he tends to do in fixtures against lower level opposition, Arteta may switch to a 4-3-3 system at the City Ground and incorporate two No. 8’s.

One of those could be Smith Rowe, who is desperate to fight his way back into the Premier League starting lineup.

Charlie Patino (CM) – Odegaard has played plenty of minutes over recent weeks and in a bid to rotate Patino could be handed his full debut for Arsenal. He certainly deserves it, and even if the numbers weren’t thin in midfield there is every chance he would have started regardless. More of a deep lying playmaker than a No. 8, his role in this system could be flexible.

Fingers crossed he gets the nod.

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