Saturday sees the final home game of the season for Nottingham Forest - and it is a big one.
The Reds’ record at the City Ground has been key to their survival hopes, with 27 of their 34 points picked up on the banks of the Trent. If they can add to that tally against Arsenal it would be huge for their chances of staying up.
Head coach Steve Cooper has some big decisions to make, however. The Gunners’ title hopes might be fading but they will still be very tough opponents. Picking the right team will be vital.
READ MORE: Forest star 'expected to push' for transfer amid Man Utd doubt
READ MORE: Forest confirm transfer after loan spell at League Two side
Cooper tweaked formation for the trip to Chelsea last Saturday, and that meant sacrificing the attacking threat of Brennan Johnson. The Wales international had been instrumental in victory over Southampton earlier in the week, but the decision was made to go with a three-man defence plus wing-backs while also not wanting to lose a man in midfield.
The plan worked at Stamford Bridge; the visitors ended a seven-match losing run in the league away from home as they drew 2-2. Cooper now has a dilemma over whether to stick or twist.
It would be no surprise if he does the latter and fields a very similar, if not identical, line-up to the one which toppled the Saints. After all, Johnson has the potential to cause the Gunners all kinds of problems.
If that is the case, it would mean reverting to four at the back. Joe Worrall pushed goalscorer Taiwo Awoniyi close for the man of the match honour in the capital, putting in an excellent performance. He will have given the manager food for thought and is pushing first-choice centre-backs Felipe and Moussa Niakhate for their places.
That Serge Aurier and Renan Lodi both completed 90 minutes against the Blues was a boost. Cooper mentioned he had some players who were “vulnerable in terms of injuries” and both had been a doubt, but they will have had the opportunity for some rest and recuperation ahead of this weekend.
Fingers will be crossed that Danilo is OK after he looked a little uncomfortable when brought off in added time. Forest will be hoping it is nothing serious given the Brazilian had suffered a suspected hamstring problem against Brentford.
The January signing has been in red-hot form of late and has become a key player for Cooper’s side. Cheikhou Kouyate has been getting some minutes since his return from injury, so could provide an option if required.
If the Reds boss does bring Johnson back into the XI, he would join Awoniyi and Morgan Gibbs-White in making up the attack. If Cooper opts to retain the same system as Saturday, however, Johnson would probably be the one likely to miss out again.
Predicted Forest XI: Navas; Aurier, Felipe, Niakhate, Lodi; Yates, Mangala, Danilo; Gibbs-White; Johnson, Awoniyi.
How should Forest line up against Arsenal? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT
Brice Samba makes 'best game' admission one year on from Forest heroics
Forest receive Premier League response over possible Everton points deduction
Joe Worrall confession highlights huge challenges Forest captain has overcome
Forest and the Clough years - get your 48-page special edition
- The latest Nottingham Forest news in one place
