Arsenal will launch their quest for a record-extending 15th FA Cup title against Nottingham Forest in the third round on Sunday.
The Gunners are the most successful team in the history of the cup competition and have won four of the last eight editions.
Mikel Arteta’s side had their five-game winning run in all competitions snapped by Manchester City last weekend and will be looking to bounce back with a statement win against the Championship side.
Forest will be no pushovers though. After a dismal start to the season, Steve Cooper has overseen a remarkable turnaround in fortunes and they currently sit ninth in England’s second-tier competition.
Arsenal defeated Forest in both previous FA Cup meetings, in 1979 and 1993, and went on to win the competition on both occasions.
Arsenal Team News
Mikel Arteta will be short on options for this clash as Arsenal battle injuries and COVID-19. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey are unavailable due to their involvement in the AFCON. Granit Xhaka did not appear to train with the team before the match and is unlikely to feature.
Matchday mood 😀
🏴 @RobHolding95 pic.twitter.com/Z3n4inikjk
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 9, 2022
Gabriel will miss the game after picking up a red card against Manchester City, while Calum Chambers is unavailable after contracting COVID-19.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
With Aaron Ramsdale firmly established as Arsenal’s No. 1 goalkeeper, the cup competitions will be Bernd Leno’s only chance to get some minutes under his belt. The German has made just six appearances in all competitions this season.
Defenders
Arsenal’s lack of options in defence means Ben White is unlikely to be rested for this contest. The Englishman will partner Rob Holding at the heart of the defence in the Arsenal lineup.
Arteta will not want to risk the injury-prone Kieran Tierney, so Nuno Tavares could start at left-back. Takehiro Tomiyasu will likely make way for Cedric Soares on the right.
Midfielders
With Ainsley Maitland-Niles shipped out on loan, and Partey and Elneny unavailable, Albert Sambi Lokonga will start in the middle of the park.
Xhaka is unlikely to be risked for this clash if he is not fully fit, which means the talented Charlie Patino could be handed a start alongside Lokonga. Patino scored on his debut in the League Cup win over Sunderland last month.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Nottingham Forest | FA Cup
Martin Odegaard is expected to continue in the No. 10 role. The Norwegian has been in impressive form of late after a slow start to the season.
With Nicolas Pepe away on international duty, Bukayo Saka will continue at right wing. The 20-year-old is one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League along with Gabriel Martinelli, who will feature on the left.
Attackers
Despite his contract dispute, Eddie Nketiah remains in Arteta’s plans and will likely lead the line for the Gunners against Forest. The England youth international netted a hat-trick the last time he started for Arsenal, in the 5-1 win over Sunderland.