By Ian King
Type
Nottingham Forest have now misplaced three of their final 4, although the jarring little interjection into that run was their 7-0 demolition of Brighton. Qualification for the Champions League stays a sensible aim for this season, however they do must regain the consistency of efficiency that obtained them this excessive within the first place.
Arsenal’s lack of a dependable goalscorer got here to hang-out them in opposition to West Ham, and there was a sense that this end result may have been coming following a comparatively lacklustre efficiency at Leicester per week earlier which was partially masked by the shock issue of Mikel Merino being so profitable as a makeshift striker. A Forest win would shut the hole between these two to simply three factors.
Historical past
Arsenal’s 2-1 win at The Metropolis Floor in January 2024 ended an unwelcome run of them having misplaced their final three video games there, two of which had come within the FA Cup whereas Forest have been within the Championship. Arsenal comfortably received once they met earlier this season on the finish of September, 3-0 at The Emirates.
Key gamers
Following their 90 minutes of blanks-firing on Saturday afternoon Arsenal want targets, however will Mikel Arteta hold religion with Merino within the absence of 4 different attacking gamers, who’re all injured? He could must assume out of the field once more; would possibly this match even see a return to the primary staff for Raheem Sterling? Stranger issues have occurred.
Forest haven’t had an issue scoring targets however they’ve had one in conceding them, so Arsenal’s present lack of attacking efficiency could be very a lot of their pursuits. Morgan Gibbs-White has been one in every of their key gamers in unlocking opposing defences this season, and Forest’s rugged attacking model may very well be tough for Arsenal to deal with.
Staff Information
Ethan Nwaneri limped off late in opposition to West Ham. Arteta subsequently mentioned, “It was simply fatigue, I feel”, however given their present wounded listing it might be comprehensible if followers have been holding their breath till the staff is known as. Ben White did return for a couple of minutes. Following his sending off in opposition to West Ham, Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended. Taiwo Awoniyi returned to the bench for Forest at Newcastle on Sunday however didn’t get on the pitch. Forest’s solely different present absentee is second-choice goalkeeper Carlos Miguel.
Prediction
Few would have predicted firstly of the season that Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal could be third vs second within the Premier League on the finish of February (on the time of writing), however we’re the place we’re and Forest are there on benefit. Each groups have points at current. Forest have been struggling defensively however are scoring targets. Arsenal’s defence is okay however they haven’t any strikers, though they do have makeshift strikers and midfielders who can rating targets. A 2-2 draw and a attainable sigh of reduction for Mikel Arteta it’s, then.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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