Mikel Arteta to make three Arsenal changes vs Nottingham Forest as £27m star returns
Arsenal face Nottingham Forest on the road in Saturday’s late Premier League kick-off.
The Gunners went on a five-match winning league streak before the goalless draw against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium last week.
The London giants were far from their best against the holders, and struggled to impose themselves during the second half in particular.
Despite the frustrating stalemate, the club have a handy six-point cushion over Manchester City and Aston Villa at the top of the standings.
For tomorrow’s trip to the City Ground, manager Mikel Arteta could make three changes from the 3-2 win over Chelsea in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge.
David Raya returns in goal
Kepa Arrizabalaga conceded a couple of goals during the League Cup tie. He probably should have stayed on his line for Alejandro Garnacho’s first strike, and should have been more commanding in the box from the corner, which led to the Argentine’s second goal.
The Spaniard is poised to drop to the bench with compatriot Raya replacing him. Raya is an undisputed starter between the sticks for the Premier League and Champions League games. The £27 million signing will be eyeing his 11th clean sheet of the league season tomorrow.
Two changes in attack
Arteta rotated his attack during the 3-2 league win at Bournemouth earlier this month. Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli were brought in on the right and left wing respectively on the back of the 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.
With the short turnaround time from Wednesday, it won’t be a surprise if Madueke gets the nod over Bukayo Saka on the right wing. The Arsenal graduate played the full 90 minutes at the Bridge.
Leandro Trossard returned from a minor knock to face the Blues, and could get replaced by Martinelli, who bagged a memorable hat-trick against Portsmouth in the FA Cup third round last weekend.
Martinelli has a good record against Forest with four goals and an assist from six meetings.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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