The Premier League returns following a 2-week winter break to set up hostilities between Nottingham Forest and their North London visitors, Arsenal at the City Ground.
The Gunners stand on the cusp of mounting a title charge yet again by coming out of the game with the maximum points required to draw themselves 2-points behind current league leaders, Liverpool.
However, with their hosts facing a different aspiration in the current league standings, Nottingham Forest would want to do so much to avoid the rising tune that beckons on them in their tussle versus Arsenal.
Forest sit 16th in the league table, just 4 points above the drop zone, and with rumors of a point deduction facing them, every point they can salvage now, stands of paramount importance compared to any other goal that might interest them.
So far, the results haven’t been coming like they might hope for, despite the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santos as manager. They have managed to scrap out results from certain games but still find themselves wanting in others.
Hence, this fixture as much as fans and punters may favor Arsenal for the win, bears greater meaning for Nottingham Forest who now enter the second half of the season on survival mode.
The Gunners will be heading for the City Ground to hunt for vital points, Forest however will do their possible best to prevent that from happening, no matter how daunting it may be.
Nottingham Forest will have their lead striker, Taiwo Awoniyi back in the team after some weeks on the sideline, and Arsenal, will have their 5-0 humiliation of Crystal Palace to build confidence on.
Here goes the Confirmed Lineups for both sides;
NOTTINGHAM FOREST Confirmed Lineup:
Arsenal Confirmed Lineup: