It’s second against third in the Premier League tonight as Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest with both sides aiming to bounce back from defeat.
The Gunners’ title hopes were massively dented as they narrowly lost at home to London rivals West Ham. Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended after being sent off for the second time this season on Saturday.
Their inability to score can be attributed to their ongoing injury crisis in offensive positions. Mikel Arteta is hopeful that Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka can return after the March international break. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus won’t feature again this season.
There was some worries concerning the fitness of Ethan Nwaneri after the teenager appeared to pull up with an injury a few days ago. However, the 17-year-old’s condition isn’t as bad as initially feared with his manager citing fatigue as the reason for the discomfort.
Meanwhile, Forest were on the wrong side of a seven-goal thriller away to Newcastle as the Magpies ran out 4-3 winners. Nuno Espirito Santo has almost a full squad at his disposal with second choice goalkeeper Carlos Miguel the only confirmed absentee.
If Taiwo Awoniyi does enter the field of play, he will be sporting a protective mask. The Nigerian had to be stretchered off after breaking his nose in the FA Cup a fortnight ago.
The Tricky Trees boss did allude to the fact that the availability of some players is in doubt. Espirito Santo didn’t mention any names with no obvious casualties from their trip to Newcastle.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news
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Nottingham Forest: LWDLL
The Midlands outfit lost successive Premier League games for only the second time this term following defeat to Newcastle.
Nuno’s players completely collapsed after taking the lead at St. James’ Park. The Magpies scored four goals in just 11 minutes with the prolific Alexander Isak grabbing a brace. They staged a late revival in the closing stages and managed to reduce the deficit to only one, but their efforts proved to be poorly timed.
Forest will be relieved to be playing at the City Ground tonight. They have lost their last three away games in the league, conceding 11 goals in the process.
Everyone concerned with Forest will be desperate to see their beloved team qualify for the Champions League. Despite the club’s rich European history, they haven’t competed on the continental stage since 1996.
Arsenal: WWLWL
Arsenal’s 15-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League came crashing to a halt last weekend. A lethargic display was punished by West Ham with Jarrod Bowen scoring the only goal of the game.
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table over the Gunners to 11 points. Arsenal do have a game in hand, but will have to be flawless for the remainder of the campaign to stand any chance of usurping the Reds.
Mikel Arteta’s side are comfortably on course to qualify for Champions League football next season. The likelihood has been increased by the distinct possibility that the Premier League will be granted a bonus qualification spot.
