Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made two changes to the starting line-up for tonight’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on the road.
The Gunners returned to winning ways earlier this month with a convincing 5-0 triumph over Crystal Palace in the league at the Emirates Stadium.
They will be eyeing another victory tonight to close the gap to leaders Liverpool to two points.
Ahead of the game, the manager has two notable changes to the starting XI from the derby win.
Kai Havertz has dropped to the bench with Emile Smith Rowe getting the nod in the number eight role. The club graduate is making his first league start for the club since late October.
Elsewhere, Gabriel Martinelli has been reinstated on the left wing ahead of Leandro Trossard. The Brazilian came off the bench against Palace and scored two goals in stoppage time.
The rest of the line-up stays the same. Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice have recovered from their respective knocks which saw them substituted in the derby win over Palace.
Confirmed Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Nottingham Forest: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Smith Rowe; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus.
Arsenal have had a poor record at City Ground with defeats in the last three trips. They suffered a 1-0 loss in the most recent visit which ended their title charge last season.
Arteta will want a strong performance this time around to end the dreadful streak at the stadium. Smith Rowe has the chance to make a big impression from midfield.
The 23-year-old’s future at the club has been much speculated and he can make a statement tonight with a quality showing with a goal contribution or two for the club.
