Nottingham Forest are looking for a second successive win in the Premier League as Arsenal travel to the City Ground this evening.
The Reds were humbled out of the FA Cup by Wrexham of the Championship last week, and the heat is turning up on Sean Dyche.
Forest have to keep putting points on the board if they’re to pull completely clear of the relegation zone after going seven clear of West Ham after beating the Hammers last time out.
Ahead of the game, we look at the team that could be picked by Dyche this evening as the table-topping Gunners roll into town.
Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Nottingham Forest predicted team vs Arsenal
There is absolutely no need for the back five to change from the West Ham game for this one, and it’s vital Dyche gets last season’s defensive unit revitalised once again.
Matz Sels will start in goal, with Neco Williams, Ola Aina, Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo all keeping their respective places in the back four.
In midfield, a big change could be made by Forest as Ibrahim Sangare comes back into the fray after returning from the African Cup of Nations, where he was eliminated at the quarter-final stage with the Ivory Coast.
He should slot straight back into the team alongside Elliot Anderson, who should be well rested after sitting out of the Wrexham defeat completely.
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There shouldn’t be much need for any tinkering when it comes to the attacking players, either.
Callum Hudson-Odoi will come back in on the left after only making the bench for the game against Wrexham, with Omari Hutchinson keeping his place on the right.
Through the middle, Morgan Gibbs-White was outstanding against West Ham in the Premier League last time out, and he will start the game just behind Igor Jesus, who will spearhead the attack.
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Forest have to take the game to Arsenal
Today is about as close as you will ever get to a free hit in the Premier League, with all the emphasis on Arsenal extending their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
As a result, Forest must go all out and try to win the game and Dyche has to show the supporters that his team is capable of producing the goods in terms of performance levels.
So far, Dyche’s style of football has been ultra pragmatic and fans are growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of focus on attacking football.
Today is a big day for Dyche, and although Forest might not win, the Reds have to start producing performances that the fans can once again be proud of.
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