Key player in, 4-3-3, my Arsenal predicted line up to play Nottingham Forest
Match Preview September 20, 2016Arsenal’s opening match for in this season’s League Cup, now entitled the EFL Trophy is just a few hours away from kick off as we visit Championship side Nottingham Forest (KO 7:45pm).
It is expected that Arsene Wenger will rest the majority of our key players; with the upcoming, all-important Premier League clash with Chelsea this weekend fast approaching (Sat 5:30pm).
If we are to get a foothold in this season’s Premier League race, we need to rotate wisely and ensure none of our players are overstretched, another good opportunity to give some fringier players a run out.
We won our last match away against Hull City last weekend, with a comfortable (for the most part) 4-1 win on the road. Despite Alexis Sanchez missing a penalty, he scored twice, Theo scored once and Xhaka finished off the rout after coming on as sub with an amazing goal in injury time.
Defence:
Wenger is hoping to be boosted with the return of Gabriel who was injured in pre-season, and he’ll most likely partner another new signing; Rob Holding with Gibbs and Debuchy as the full backs.
Midfield:
It’s also expected that Wenger will rest ‘France-ace Coquelin’ and Santi Cazorla tonight to keep them fresh for the game against Chelsea this weekend, with Xhaka and Elneny filling in.
Attack:
Lucas Perez, Arsene Wenger’s summer striker signing, is a little bit out of form and yet to make an impact at The Emirates, so he’ll be hoping to get on the scoresheet tonight if he’s given the chance. The Jeff and The Ox could also feature.
Striker:
Wenger will definitely rest Alexis Sanchez, as he was back from international duty late, and despite his two goals at Hull, Wenger will be desperate to give his Chilean Duracell bunny a break.
However, Sanchez will no doubt already have his kit on and be warming up on the Forest pitch already. Olivier Giroud has a toe injury, and it’s also thought Theo Walcott is injured and will miss the game too.