Nottingham Forest could be set for a double boost ahead of their trip to Arsenal as Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is faced with a dilemma.
Steve Cooper ’s side will be looking to maintain momentum after their shock win over Liverpool last weekend. It was the Reds’ second victory of the season, leaving them two points away from escaping the bottom three, and Forest will be chasing another unlikely win when they make their way to north London.
As for Arsenal , the Gunners face a relatively quick turnaround after suffering a defeat away at PSV Eindhoven on Thursday night in the Europa League. Arteta’s side have been the early pacesetters in the Premier League but their manager could be forced to leave out two of his star names against Forest.
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Gabriel Jesus has started life at Arsenal in fine fashion, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 11 league games; while William Saliba has been an assured performer at centre-back after being welcomed into the first team fold, following several loan spells. away However, the duo are one yellow card away from suspension, which could play a part in Arteta’s thinking against Forest.
The Gunners had their lead at the top shortened to two points after being held to a draw with Southampton last time out and Forest will be looking to do further damage this weekend. After hosting the Reds, Arsenal face Chelsea next week and could risk being without Jesus and Saliba, if the pair pick up a booking on Sunday. Five yellow cards lead to a one-game suspension, with the totals being reset after 19 games.
Forest will be riding high after their win against Liverpool, with Arsenal’s demanding fixture list also playing in Steve Cooper’s favour. Aaron Ramsdale, Granit Xhaka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Saliba all started in the defeat to PSV, while a further handful of star names were thrown on by Arteta as his team looked to chase the game.
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