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Predicted Arsenal XI vs Nottingham Forest: Reshuffle in defence

By James Cormack

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (C) speaks with his players during a break in play, during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on October 23, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (C) speaks with his players during a break in play, during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on October 23, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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A response is needed from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal as they host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday. 

The Gunners produced a tepid display in Eindhoven on Thursday as they were beaten 2-0 by PSV in the Europa League. The result means it’s still all to play for at the top of Group A on Matchday 6.

Arteta opted to give minutes to the majority of his first team at the Philips Stadion in a bid to salvage the contest which isn’t ideal given the club’s frantic schedule. Arsenal have shown signs of decline since their memorable 3-2 win over Liverpool, and they need a pick-me-up performance and result against Forest.

The boss doesn’t have too many injury concerns heading into Sunday’s game, but he may look to reshuffle his pack ahead of a big week.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Nottingham Forest

Here’s the starting XI Arteta could pick as Nottingham Forest come to town.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Ben White could play alongside William Saliba if Gabriel isn’t fit enough to start. (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Ben White could play alongside William Saliba if Gabriel isn’t fit enough to start. (Photo by ANP via Getty Images) /

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – A Ramsdale blunder proved costly in the week, but his status as Arsenal’s number one is not in doubt. He’ll be looking to keep his first Emirates clean sheet of the league season on Sunday.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – Gabriel will make Sunday’s squad but he did pick up a knock on Thursday and I wonder if Mikel will give the Brazilian a little more time to fully recover. If so, White will slide across and Tomiyasu will make his first Premier League start at right-back.

Ben White (CB) – See above.

William Saliba (CB) – The young Frenchman hasn’t quite been the imperious iteration of himself over the past couple of weeks. He’s played a lot of football, and Saliba is starting to commit a few mental errors. Let’s hope he gets back on track with a commanding display against Forest.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Tierney deserves a gig in the first team after impressing in Europe. With Oleksandr Zinchenko still out and Tomiyasu switching flanks, the Scot should come in on Sunday (even if Gabriel is fit enough to start).

Midfielders

Thomas Partey came on as a substitute in Eindhoven. (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Thomas Partey came on as a substitute in Eindhoven. (Photo by ANP via Getty Images) /

Thomas Partey (DM) – Partey’s importance to this Arsenal side becomes clearer by the game. If the Ghanaian plays well, so do the Gunners.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – The Swiss international looked dead on his feet on Thursday and I wouldn’t be against him dropping to the bench in a bid to offer him some respite. However, I think Xhaka will be determined to start every game he can.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – Arsenal will need their skipper to produce against a deep-lying defence on Sunday. The Gunners’ chief creative force endured a quiet night in Eindhoven but he could play a vital role in this one.

Forwards

Gabriel Jesus hasn’t scored since October 1. (Photo by Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Gabriel Jesus hasn’t scored since October 1. (Photo by Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Bukayo Saka (RW) – No, Bukayo Saka is not a diver. Get that notion out of your head right away. The England international came on as a substitute in the week and is a shoo-in to start against Forest.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – The Brazilian needs to break his scoring duck and it won’t be easy against a deep-lying Forest defence on Sunday. Jesus has spurned several good opportunities in recent weeks.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Martinelli’s efficacy has waned since the Liverpool triumph, and the winger needs rest. However, with Arteta’s options limited, he’ll start in this one.