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Match preview
For the first time this season, there are signs that the wheels might be falling off, even if only just a bit, at Arsenal.
Last weekend, despite taking the lead through Granit Xhaka, the Gunners could only draw 1-1 with Southampton at St Mary’s.
In fairness, this is just the second time all season Mikel Arteta’s team have dropped points, the other the defeat at Old Trafford in early August.
So, they do remain top of the table, although Manchester City may well have leapfrogged them by kick off.
Then, on Thursday night, Arsenal put in a lifeless and, at times, shambolic display, defeated 2-0 by PSV Eindhoven.
Arsenal do remain top of their Europa League group but, to stay there, will need to beat Zürich on Thursday, assuming PSV win in the Arctic Circle against Bodø/Glimt simultaneously.
In Premier League history, the team bottom of the table have beaten the side top just four times, this last happening 12 years ago.
Nottingham Forest are propping up the rest, despite a famous victory over Liverpool last weekend.
Taiwo Awoniyi firing home on the rebound as the Tricky Trees claimed just their second win of the season.
Steve Cooper’s side are now just two points from safety and are showing signs they are beggining to jell and will be competitive.
Can Nottingham Forest claim another momentous victory, seeking to beat Arsenal in North London for the first time since 1989?
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta picked a very strong XI in Eindhoven and this spectacularly backfired, with all his key players either starting or coming on.
Aaron Ramsdale made his debut in a UEFA club competition, with Matt Turner missing out due to a groin strain.
Meanwhile, Gabriel was seen limping off at full time, meaning he might be a doubt.
If William Saliba or Gabriel Jesus are booked here, they’ll be suspended for next Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge.
Oleksandr Zinchenko hasn’t featured since the North London derby, and isn’t likely to be back soon.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has started the last three Premier League games, but Kieran Tierney is set to get the nod at left-back; he made his Arsenal debut against Nottingham Forest in 2019.
Gabriel Martinelli scored twice in that game, a 5-0 League Cup win, but is seeking his first goal in six.
Nottingham Forest team news
Steve Cooper has abandoned the back three that served him so well last season, now deploying a 4-3-3.
This features a trio of defensive-midfielders, namely captain Ryan Yates, Cheikhou Kouyaté and Remo Freuler.
If Cooper names an unchanged XI, Neco Williams will continue at left-back, with Serge Aurier on the right and Renan Lodi left out.
Taiwo Awoniyi will continue to lead the line, while Jesse Lingard, who’s scored five times against Arsenal, could keep his place, chosen over Brennan Johnson.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Match statistics
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