White starts, 3 big changes | Expected Arsenal line-up (4-3-3) vs Nottingham Forest with Sterling decision
Arsenal take on Nottingham Forest at City Ground in tonight’s Premier League clash.
The Gunners suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to West Ham United at home last weekend.
They lacked the cutting edge in the final third, with just two of their 20 attempts on target.
The club have now dropped 11 points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand.
Tonight’s game at Forest is a must-win to avoid losing further ground in the title pursuit.
4-3-3
David Raya is an undisputed starter between the sticks for the London giants. The Spaniard will be eyeing a clean sheet against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
In the backline, we could see a couple of changes. Ben White could replace Jurrien Timber at right back. He made his long-awaited injury return against the Hammers off the bench.
White almost scored a late equaliser and could get the nod in the XI. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are poised to continue in the heart of the defence.
It could be Oleksandr Zinchenko instead of Riccardo Calafiori at left-back. Calafiori could have intercepted Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the lead-up to the Hammers goal.
He was subbed off early and could be dropped to the bench. Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended for the game after receiving a straight red card in the same derby.
The midfield could once again comprise of Thomas Partey, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
Rice had one of his worst performances in an Arsenal shirt. He failed to track Bowen’s run and also squandered a clear-cut opportunity with poor finishing.
Despite this, he should get the nod in the XI over Jorginho or Mikel Merino, who may struggle to cope with Forest’s intensity in the centre of the park tonight.
Odegaard must also step up after a lacklustre showing in the weekend derby.
Ethan Nwaneri has been superb on the right wing in the injury absence of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The 17-year-old is poised to keep his place.
Merino could be dropped to the bench against Forest. We anticipate Leandro Trossard to start as the no.9 with Raheem Sterling featuring from the left flank.
Sterling has a good record against Forest, scoring four goals and providing one assist in five meetings.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
