Arsenal travel to the City Ground to take on the famous Nottingham Forest tonight, in what should be an open encounter.
The Gunners have found some good form in the Premier League, winning three successive games and putting four past Hull on Saturday.
Arsene Wenger is likely to make changes to his line up as he often does for such Cup fixtures, with Gabriel, Emiliano Martinez, Rob Holding, Kieran Gibbs, Lucas Perez and Chuba Akpom are likely to be involved.
Those expected to miss out due to injury include Per Mertesacker, Danny Welbeck, Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey and Carl Jenkinson.
Without further ado, here is the Predicted Line-up:
Goalkeeper:
First choice goalkeeper Petr Cech is likely to be given a breather and with David Ospina playing in the Champions League, Arsenal could start with 3rd choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Defense:
Similarly, full-backs Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal look set to be rested and will be replaced by Mathieu Debuchy and Kieran Gibbs. At centre-back, new signing Rob Holding could partner Gabriel Paulista.
Midfield:
Granit Xhaka came off the bench to score a stunner at the weekend and he should get his first start in three games with Santi Cazorla given a well-earned rest. Mohamed Elneny should also get a recall in place of Francis Coquelin who has been fantastic for Arsenal this season.
Attack:
Alex Iwobi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may be tested on the wings and Lucas Perez is expected to lead the line. We can see a change of formation with two strikers playing upfront. Chuba Akpom may get a start as he has been brilliant for the Arsenal’s U-23.
Complete predicted line-up:
Martinez, Debuchy, Holding, Gabriel, Gibbs, Elneny, Xhaka, Iwobi, Chamberlain, Perez, Akpom.
Bench: Ospina, Mustafi, Bielik, Adelaide, Willock, Sheaf, Sanchez.
It’s the 12th Anniversary since Forest’s Legendary Manager, Brian Clough died and today, as Arsenal prepare to face Forest, Reds fans haven’t forgotten just how much of an incredible job he did at the City Ground and nor have Arsenal fans. There will be a great round of applause in the 12th minute for Brian Clough and all Arsenal fans will also join in it.
What do you think of the line-up? What team would you like to see start?
