Ethan Nwaneri is an injury doubt. (Image: Getty)
go to on Wednesday, and suddenly, Mikel Arteta’s men seem to be fighting for second place and not the title. means they are now 11 points off leaders , with many fans and pundits declaring the race over.
However, there are only six points between and Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. And the Portuguese boss will be desperate to cut that gap to three at the City Ground tomorrow as his side look to bounce back from their own weekend loss at .
Express Sport looks at the team Arteta may pick, although injuries have limited his options.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Raya
The Spaniard provided fans with one of the more positive moments against West Ham, running back to dispossess James Ward-Prowse after pushing forward for a late set-piece. Luckily, his sliding tackle didn’t yield another hamstring injury in Arteta’s squad and he’ll be in goal tomorrow.
Defenders: Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori
Arteta is unlikely to resist the temptation to change his back four from Saturday despite Ben shite’s return to fitness. The right-back was a late substitute against the Hammers, his first Premier League appearance since undergoing surgery in November,
But he’s not going to be thrown into his first start back for a potentially critical clash. And starting Myles Lewis-Skelly is not an option after his red card on Saturday.
Ben White is back after knee surgery. (Image: Getty)
Midfielders: Odegaard, Partey, Rice
Despite their fading title challenge, it’s inconceivable that Arteta will change the midfield trio that has started the last three Premier League games. But he’ll want more creativity from in particular, who has not hit the heights that signified his previous two seasons.
Jorginho is likely to be involved as he nears a club exit this summer. But again, any role he plays against Forest will be little more than a cameo one.
Forwards: Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
Playing Mikel Merino in a central strike role won’t be a hill that Arteta would be choosing to die on, but in reality, he has little choice. With Gabriel Martinelli, , and all ruled out with injury, the Spaniard is likely to lead the line again at Forest.
But there is a doubt about Ethan Nwaneri. The youngster sparked concern among fans, already lamenting their injury woes as he limped around in the second half against West Ham before being taken off.
However, Arteta later played down any fears, citing fatigue for the youngster’s discomfort. And amid the awful form of , Nwaneri looks likely to retain his place with Leandro Trossard on the left.