Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal in Premier League

Nottingham Forest struggled to a 0-0 draw with Bristol City on January 26 in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Forest will be looking to get back to winning ways as they lost their last Premier League game to Brentford on January 20. The East Midlands club have an impressive home record against Arsenal in recent years, winning the last three matches against the Gunners at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal in Midweek Premier League Clash

How Nottingham Forest Have Lined-up Recently

Matt Turner has played the last two matches in goal. The clean sheet he picked up against Bristol City was his first for the side since the 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace on October 7, 2023. However, the team are reportedly on the hunt for a new goalkeeper before the transfer window deadline on Wednesday evening, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Gonzalo Montiel has cemented his spot at right-back under the new manager Nuno Espírito Santo, starting the last two games. On the other side of the defence, Nuno Tavares has been the left-back of choice in recent weeks, but he will be unavailable to play in this game as he is on loan from Arsenal.

Murillo and Andrew Omobamidele will occupy the centre-back positions after securing a clean sheet together against Bristol City.

Orel Mangala and Ryan Yates have both started the last three matches and will likely play as two defensive midfielders in front of the back four against Arsenal.

Morgan Gibbs-White has been injured with an abdominal strain in recent weeks, but he came on at half-time against Bristol City and played the second half with no visible discomfort. He will most probably come in for Danilo in the number 10 role, who has started the last six matches.

Nicolas Dominguez and Callum Hudson-Odoi continue to occupy the wide roles on either side of the number 10 and look set to be given another start against Arsenal. Chris Wood was unable to find the net against Bristol City in a game of few clear-cut chances, but the “on fire” striker has scored six goals in seven appearances since Nuno’s appointment.

Nottingham Forest Recent Form and Tactics

Before the FA Cup tie with the Robins, Forest had been leaky in defence under Nuno, conceding 12 in six games. The clean sheet at Ashton Gate was a move in the right direction for the Tricky Trees. They will have their work cut out in this game, though, as they face an Arsenal side who scored five against Crystal Palace in their last match.

Tactically, the manager has deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation in his seven games in charge. The aim has been to get more bodies forward in attack and play with greater width to create chances for Wood.

Gibbs-White has been key to the system when he has played, as he has adopted a central number 10 role, acting as the main creator of the team. His return to the team against Bristol City was much needed at a time of limited attacking options, due to injuries.

The role he plays in this game will be to pick the ball up from deep and help Forest break away quickly on the counter attack. Fans will remember the 1-0 win against Arsenal to secure safety at the end of last season when Gibbs-White played through Taiwo Awoniyi to score the only goal of the game.

Although the Tricky Tree’s possession stats have increased since Nuno has been in charge, this game will likely see the return of a lower defensive block, which served Steve Cooper so well at the end of last term. In the 1-0 win against Arsenal at the City Ground on May 20, 2023, the winners registered only 18% of possession, so you would expect that their possession stats will be higher this time round.

Nottingham Forest Injuries to Consider vs Arsenal

During the coach’s press conference on Monday, January 29, he confirmed that Awoniyi, Felipe and Anthony Elanga are nearing a return to first-team action. He said: “The players that were out have joined the group. Even though they are not 100 percent, we have decided to have them around in the case of Taiwo and Anthony and Felipe.”

Otherwise, Tavares is ineligible for this game as he is on a season-long loan from Arsenal. Senegal host the Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 on January 29. Ibrahim Sangare, Serge Aurier, Willy Boly represent the Ivory Coast while Moussa Niakhate and Cheikhou Kouyate play for Senegal. The game against Arsenal will come too soon for the players that lose this tie.

Ola Aina progressed to the quarter-finals of the tournament after playing all 90 minutes in Nigeria’s 2-0 win against Cameroon on Saturday, January 27. He will also be unavailable for selection.

Striker Divock Origi also remains out of action due to an injury. Ornstein has reported that MLS clubs are in negotiations with AC Milan to sign the striker before the deadline.

Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup

GK: Matt Turner

RB: Gonzalo Montiel

CB: Murillo

CB: Andrew Omabamidele

LB: Harry Toffolo

DM: Orel Mangala

DM: Ryan Yates

RM: Nico Dominguez

CAM: Morgan Gibbs-White

LM: Callum Hudson-Odoi

ST: Chris Wood