Nottingham Forest were knocked out of the FA Cupon penalties by Wrexham last week, but they return to Premier League action after a break.
Last time out in the league, they recorded arguably their most important win of the season as a late Morgan Gibbs-White penalty gave them a 2-1 win over West Ham United. Consequently, it put them seven points ahead of the Hammer,s who are a place below them and in the relegation zone. Forest fans will not be getting carried away, but the significance of those three points cannot be understated, as it will likely go a long way to securing their survival.
That win could also not have come at a better time, as they knew that after the trip to the London Stadium was the visit of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. It will prove a tough test for sure.
Forest will be hoping that they play more like they did in the second half against Wrexham, when their quality was evident, as opposed to the first half, where a much-changed side found themselves 2-0 down at half-time.
After the game, Sean Dyche was critical of those players to whom he gave a rare start, as they did not take their opportunities, and it is unlikely that any of them will feature from the start against the Gunners.
Forest will want to reach the levels of their performance against Manchester City
At the end of December, **Pep Guardiola's**side came to the City Ground and needed a late goal to come away with a 2-1 win. It was a good performance from the home side that day as they looked well-organised and in good shape. On another day, they would have come away with a draw or maybe even more.
They will need to reach those levels and possibly more if they are to get anything from the game with Arsenal. That day proved that they can come close to matching the levels of performance from last season when they are at their best. They will have the backing of the home crowd and, if fans feel as though their side is playing well, there may be the chance of a memorable result.
Most Forest fans would expect Arsenal to win this game, so with that in mind, it may be the performance that they are looking for the most. In recent games, there has been some growing criticism of Dyche and his side for their performances.
For example, when they went away to Aston Villa at the start of the month, some fans were not happy with how their team set up. Villa were third in the table, but Forest were very defensive-minded, andIgor Jesus was isolated up front with hardly any chances falling his way.
Some say it never looked like Forest had any intentions of winning the game that day, and whilst a draw would not have been a bad result when they conceded just before half-time, it would always be a tough ask to then go out and attack.
They will know the qualities Arsenal possess and will not want to be left vulnerable at the back, but being at home, it is likely that many fans will want to see their side try and give the game a go.
The first goal against Arsenal could be very important as the Gunners are yet to lose a game this season when they have scored first.
Forest were outplayed earlier in the season
The game between the two sides earlier in the season ended 3-0 to Arsenal and it was a convincing win. It was Ange Postecoglou's first game in charge and his reign did not last long. That game possibly summed up much of what was experienced under the Australian, the side struggled for goals and were too open at the back.
Few would have predicted that after just 39 days in charge and eight games in all competitions, he would be sacked.
Some have said that a bit of pressure is starting to build on Dyche after recent results, but there has undoubtedly been an improvement since he arrived at the club. It is a very different feeling when the two sides meet this time, as a lot has changed, and Dyche will not necessarily be judged on games like this, but he will be hoping his side can put in a competitive showing.
Crucially, he will want a reaction from the cup exit.
Is it a 'free hit'?
Dyche would not view this game as a 'free hit', and that should not be the mindset because his side are more than capable of beating Arsenal if everything goes their way. However, it is a game where everyone will be expecting Arsenal to win. Therefore, if Forest can put in a good performance, then they could surprise people.
They will feel as though they need more points this season to guarantee survival, as it is only January, and things could change. The West Ham win has put them in a strong position, though, so maybe it could be argued that there could be a slight lifting of some of the pressure that was on them.
Had they not beat West Ham, they may have needed to get something in this game to climb out of the bottom three (had West Ham won their game earlier in the day) and that would really have changed the mindset and feelings amongst the fans.
As it is, they can approach this game with a little bit less of an immediate concern and that could be a good thing as some players may play without fear, as opposed to worrying about making mistakes.
They will know they will have to be at their best as Arsenal are one of Europe's deadliest sides from corners and Forest conceded from a corner against West Ham.
Overall, it is a game that has the potential to interest neutrals as it still could contribute towards the outcomes at the top and bottom of the table.
Forest have also been inconsistent in recent weeks, both in their performances and results, so it could be intriguing to see which version turns up in this game.