The FA Cup 3rd round will feature Nottingham Forest taking on Arsenal on Sunday, 9th December at 10:40 PM IST. The fixture will take place at City Ground (The Nottingham Forest Football Club) and hence will be an away game for the Gunners.
Nottingham are currently sitting 9th in the EFL Championship and will be with fresh legs after the postponement of their game against Barnsley. Manager Steve Cooper’s arrival has generated a new spark in the team, after a dreadful start to the season. Before the festive period, the team were on a 9-game unbeaten streak.
Nottingham Forest form (all competitions): W W W L L
On the other hand, Arsenal are sitting 4th in the Premier League. After a horrendous season start, Mikel Arteta has truly transformed the team. Where once the Gunners were being called a relegation team, they are now competing for a Champions League spot. Even though they suffered an unlucky 2-1 defeat against Manchester City, their scintillating performance in the game won the hearts of football fans around the world.
Arsenal form (all competitions): W W W W L
Team News
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal: The Tricky Trees’ team news and injury updates:
The team will be without Mohamed Drager, who is representing Tunisia in the AFCON. Alex Mighten, Max Lowe, Loic Mbe Soh, Joe Lolley and Richie Laryea are all doubtful with injury concerns. There is no clarity on which players are out due to Covid-19, but there are sure to be a few.
As a result, Cooper can introduce new signings Keinan Davis and Steve Cook into the starting-11
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup:
Horvath; Spence, Cook, Worrall, Bong; Garner, Cafu; Zinckernagel, Carvalho, Johnson; Davis
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal: The Gunners’ team news and injury updates:
The Gunners have Nicolas Pepe, Mohamed Elneny, Thomas Partey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang away on AFCON duty. While Sead Kolasinac was pictured in training, it will be too soon for him to play after an ankle injury recovery. Gabriel is facing suspension, with Callum Chambers and Eddie Nketiah doubtful due to coronavirus.
18-years-old Charlie Patino could feature in the game, after a dream debut against Sunderland, where he bagged a goal last month.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup:
Leno; Cedric, White, Holding, Tavares; Xhaka, Lokonga; Saka, Patino, Smith Rowe; Martinelli
Our score predictions: Nottingham Forest 1-3 Arsenal
While both teams are in good form, it is expected that the North London outfit will take down the Garibaldi. However, the hosts are a tough nut to crack on their own turf this season and hence, will give a decent fight to the current FA Cup holders.
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