Nottingham Forest need to make sure the slight blip against Newcastle doesn’t turn into anything more serious, as they risk losing ground on the sides around them.
However, no one would have expected the Reds to be where they are anyway, so there shouldn’t be too much pressure to maintain those heights, as it’s bound to drop slightly at some point.
You never know which Arsenal side are going to turn up nowadays, and there are a number of injury issues to worry about, including Bukayo Saka’s race against time.
Regardless, it has the makings of a fascinating encounter, though Chris Sutton thinks it will be pretty straight forward for one side at the Emirates.
Chris Sutton makes his Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest prediction
Interestingly, Chris Sutton made the wrong prediction last time out against Newcastle at the City Ground, as he believed Forest would keep their run alive.
Let’s hope that the former Blackburn striker’s prediction this week also puts a jinx on the opposition.
Speaking in his column for the BBC, Sutton has predicted a 2-0 win for the Gunners.
“Arsenal cannot keep on dropping points and I would be a little worried about them if Declan Rice is not fit enough to feature here.
“But at least Martin Odegaard is coming back to full fitness after his injury, and I feel like he will be the difference.
“Gunners fans will be hoping that he can lift the team, and help them look more dangerous in open play.
“Sometimes it is only when a player is missing that you realise how important they are to a side, and that has definitely been the case with Odegaard, because Arsenal have not been the same without him in the final third.
“Odegaard is their one player who is on a different level when he is on the ball, and almost plays a different game. He has that incredible awareness and understanding that allows him to knit everything together, and Arsenal will need that against Forest.
“Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will be stubborn and difficult to break down, we know that. They have already beaten Liverpool at Anfield this season, but I think Arsenal will find a way to win.”
Who starts for Nottingham Forest?
Well, Morgan Gibbs-White will no doubt keep his place after picking up an assist for England and building on his match fitness slightly during the international break.
Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson didn’t head away with the England Under-21s, so he may be one to start on the substitutes’ bench as a precaution.
After all, Nicolas Dominguez and Ryan Yates have built a fantastic partnership.
The rest of the team will stay the same, with Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare the only known injuries.
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