Thomas Partey in squad, David Raya dropped, Martinelli and Trosaard both start for Arsenal in 4-2-3-1 lineup against Nottingham Forest

ARSENAL LINE-UP VS NOTTINGHAM FOREST, MARTINELLI STARTS

PREDICTED ARSENAL LINE-UP VS NOTTINGHAM FOREST, MARTINELLI STARTS

Arsenal will be aiming for back-to-back Premier League wins when they face Nottingham Forest at City Ground tonight.

The Gunners returned to winning ways with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the top-flight earlier this month.

They continue to remain five points adrift of leaders Liverpool, but have the chance to temporarily close the gap to two points.

For this to happen, the club will need to end a three-match losing streak at City Ground.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Line-up:

David Raya was brilliant with his distribution in the recent derby win. His brilliant long throw to Gabriel Jesus paved the way for Arsenal’s third goal scored by Leandro Trossard. The Spaniard is expected to continue between the sticks.

In defence, no changes are likely on the cards. Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko should continue in the right and left-back positions respectively with Gabriel Magalhaes partnering William Saliba in the heart of the backline. 

Gabriel picked up a minor knee issue late on versus Palace, but we anticipate him to be deemed fit for the game. In midfield, Declan Rice should retain his place in the number six role, provided he passes a late fitness test for a muscle concern.

The club’s record signing could have a new partner in our view. We would love Emile Smith Rowe to get the nod over Kai Havertz, who has been out of touch lately, but Arteta could go with Leandro Trossard in the number eight position.

Further forward, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are guaranteed starters from the right wing and number 10 roles respectively. Gabriel Jesus should lead the line and we should see the return of Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing.

Martinelli did not start the derby earlier this month due to a minor illness. He made a terrific impact off the bench scoring two goals in stoppage time. We anticipate the Brazilian to be rewarded with a starting role against Forest tonight.

Line up: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Trossard; Martinelli, Odegard, Saka; Jesus

How Arsenal could line up against Forest