The City Ground under the lights has so often proved a sight for sore eyes and tonight when Nottingham Forest play Arsenal it promises to be a little bit special.
Forest are in bad need of a big three points. If Nuno Espirito Santo can mastermind a win of epic proportions tonight, it would enhance the team’s Champions League aspirations and likely hand the title to Liverpool at the same time.
Forest have lost three of their last four games in the top-flight. However, all of those defeats have come away from home and the comforts of home soil could prove extremely refreshing for the Reds tonight.
Last time out at the City Ground, the Reds beat Brighton 7-0 and although a similar result is very unlikely tonight, it’s important that Forest get a big three points in any way.
Ahead of the clash, Espirito Santo could spring a change or two. As a result, we’ve had a look at the possible starting eleven that the Forest head coach could adopt this evening.
Predicted Nottingham Forest XI vs Arsenal
The Forest rearguard
Despite shipping 11 goals in the last three away games, we don’t envisage a situation where Espirito Santo pushes the panic button too much and we anticipate his defensive unit will remain the same.
Matz Sels was defended by Joe Hart after the Newcastle defeat. As a result, he should keep his place in goal, with Carlos Miguel currently nursing a hamstring injury that is keeping him sidelined.
Elsewhere, nothing will change too much. Neco Williams and Ola Aina will play on the left and right respectively, with Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic hoping to strike gold together from the centre-back positions.
The Forest engine room
This is where a change could be sprung tonight by Espirito Santo. Nicolas Dominguez didn’t do too badly against Newcastle but against Arsenal, the Forest boss could restore Ryan Yates to the starting line-up.
There probably will come a point where Elliot Anderson doesn’t start given how much football he’s played this season for the first time in his career. However, that’s unlikely to be this evening with his ability to play through the lines likely to be needed alongside Yates.
Leading the Forest line
Chris Wood wasn’t able to add to his 18 Premier League goals against his former club at the weekend. He will, however, be called upon to provide a supply of goals this evening when Arsenal come to town.
Behind him, we don’t envisage too much in the way of change. Callum Hudson-Odoi scored against Newcastle and should start on the left, with Anthony Elanga going to play on the right.
Through the middle, Morgan Gibbs-White should occupy the number 10 role and his presence could be vital when it comes to dropping into midfield when Forest don’t have possession of the ball.
Also in contention for Forest vs Arsenal
Wayne Hennessey is currently providing goalkeeper backup from the bench. He’s signed a short-term deal with Miguel currently out of action with his hamstring issue.
Defensively, Morato will provide central defensive cover, with Willy Boly also pushing to return to the squad after missing out on Sunday against Newcastle.
Alex Moreno and Harry Toffolo will likely be among the substitutes, with Toffolo potentially dropping out of the squad if Espirito Santo does choose to restore Boly.
There are a wealth of midfield options now at Espirito Santo’s disposal and Dominguez could be joined by Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare among the substitutes tonight.
When it comes to forward players, Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa will likely make the bench, with Taiwo Awoniyi the man once again tasked with providing competition for Wood’s place in the attack.
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