Nottingham Forest captain Chris Wood admits his concerns ahead of Saturday’s match, revealing the ONE Arsenal player he fears facing, and it’s not Saliba or Gabriel.
Arsenal will face Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium this Saturday, with supporters eagerly awaiting the team’s lineup amid injury concerns and a crucial need for a win to maintain their place in the top four.
The Gunners have encountered some setbacks recently, suffering two defeats in their last four matches, leaving them nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
This slump in form has caught many by surprise, as Arsenal was considered one of the main title contenders at the start of the season under manager Mikel Arteta.
Saturday’s match against Forest will be a difficult challenge, as the visitors have been impressive this season.
They currently sit in fifth place, level on points with Arsenal, and have shown strong performances. However, their three-match winning streak was broken by Newcastle United just before the international break.
Historically, Arsenal have had the upper hand against Forest, winning three of their last four encounters since the start of the 2022-23 season.
Yet, Forest has not managed to win at the Emirates since 1989. Despite this, their recent form and momentum could pose a threat if Arsenal isn’t careful and doesn’t perform to their best.
With the top-four race intensifying, Arsenal is under pressure to secure all three points in this fixture to avoid slipping further down the table.
The international break has given many of the players a chance to rest, which means they should be fit and raring to go for this important match.
In terms of how Arteta might line up his team, Arsenal is expected to field a strong starting XI. In goal, David Raya is likely to start, with a solid backline featuring Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, and Riccardo Calafiori.
In midfield, Arteta will likely deploy Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and captain Martin Ødegaard, with the trio tasked with controlling the game and providing creative options going forward.
In attack, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli are set to feature in the forward positions, bringing pace and flair to the team’s offensive play.
Saka will be expected to create chances and contribute to the attack, while Havertz’s physical presence and technical skills will be crucial in linking the midfield and forward line. Martinelli’s explosive energy and ability to take on defenders will also be vital in breaking down Forest’s defense.
Overall, Arsenal’s predicted lineup for this key fixture is: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori; Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Ødegaard; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli. This lineup should give them a strong chance to bounce back from their recent setbacks and secure the win needed to keep their top-four hopes alive.
