Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Nottingham Forest - Premier League

  • Arsenal have no time to feel sorry for themselves with trip to the City Ground upcoming
  • Ethan Nwaneri expected to be fit for Wednesday's game
  • Myles Lewis-Skelly suspended
Arsenal must rid themselves of a bleak Saturday afternoon when they travel to Nottingham Forest
Arsenal must rid themselves of a bleak Saturday afternoon when they travel to Nottingham Forest | Julian Finney/GettyImages

A trip to the City Ground certainly isn't what this Arsenal team needs right now.

The Gunners blew a big chance to put just a little bit of pressure on league leaders Liverpool at a time when they showed signs of wavering, but a 1-0 defeat to West Ham on home soil was further evidence that this team isn't capable of winning the Premier League title.

The gap widened to 11 points come Sunday evening, and a betting man would suggest an extension of Arsenal's current disadvantage is more likely than a reduction on Wednesday night.

A trip to Nottingham Forest would've been tough for a fully fit Gunners squad, let alone this current iteration.

Here's the team Mikel Arteta could pick on Wednesday night.


Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-3-3)

Martin Odegaard
Discourse surrounding Martin Odegaard was rife in the aftermath of Saturday's defeat | Visionhaus/GettyImages

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - Raya goes head-to-head with Golden Glove front-runner Matz Sels on Wednesday night, with the Forest goalkeeper leading the Spaniard by one clean sheet.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - Ben White took to the field for the first time since November at the weekend, but his cameo was brief. He's unlikely to be ready for a start just a few days on.

William Saliba (CB) - Saliba faces up against one of the division's most prolific forwards in Chris Wood on Wednesday, although the New Zealander won't be doing too much channel running.

Gabriel (CB) - Gabriel will likely see plenty of Wood on Wednesday, with the Forest target man playing a key role as a facilitator in transition.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - Calafiori struggled on Saturday, but Myles Lewis-Skelly's suspension means he'll likely retain his place in the XI.


Midfielders

Declan Rice (DM) - Rice produced one of his worst performances in Arsenal colours at the weekend, but there's no reason to believe it was anything more than a blip. Still, I'd like to see him at the base of midfield for his ability in defensive transition on Wednesday.

Mikel Merino (CM) - The striker gimmick is an option, but Saturday revealed its shortcomings. Teams are prepared for it, and perhaps Merino could provide some value in the middle of the park in what's poised to be a gritty contest.

Martin Odegaard (CM) - Odegaard's had a poor season, there's no denying that, and discourse around the skipper is rife at the moment. He needs a big performance, but Forest will hound and hassle him for 90 minutes.


Forwards

Ethan Nwaneri (RW) - A bit of cramp forced the teenager off at the weekend, so there's an expectation that he'll be fit for this one.

Leandro Trossard (ST) - The Forest defenders will swallow up a game plan focussed around crossing for Merino. Trossard is no saviour from a central role, but Arsenal have got to try and force the hosts' centre-back to defend in areas they don't want to.

Raheem Sterling (LW) - No Merino in the frontline means a return to the XI for Sterling, who enjoyed a mere cameo on Saturday after his struggles at Leicester. He has four goals in five games against Forest.


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