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Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Nottingham Forest, Charlie Patino starts

Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Nottingham Forest, Charlie Patino starts


Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Nottingham Forest, Charlie Patino starts

Predicted Arsenal line-up vs Nottingham Forest, Patino set for full debut

Arsenal face Nottingham Forest on the road in this evening's FA Cup third round tie. The Gunners are missing several players due to international duty and Covid-19, but should be favourites to progress.

Predicted Line-up:

Bernd Leno has been the Gunners' Cup goalkeeper since the September international break. The German should return between the sticks with Aaron Ramsdale being rested.

The backline could see three changes. With Gabriel Magalhaes suspended, Rob Holding appears a nailed-on starter in central defence. He could be partnered by Ben White, who has been a regular in all competitions.

Cedric Soares and Nuno Tavares are strong candidates to replace regular full-backs Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney, who could be rested with a League Cup semi-final tie ahead at Liverpool.

Thomas Partey is away on international duty, and there are doubts over Granit Xhaka's availability. Albert Sambi Lokonga could be accompanied by Charlie Patino. The club graduate appears set for his full club debut.

Further forward, the solitary change could be in the striker's position. With Alexandre Lacazette likely to be rested, Gabriel Martinelli could lead the line. This should open up a spot for Emile Smith Rowe on the left wing.

Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have excelled in the right wing and number 10 positions respectively over the past month. They are likely to keep their places. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe are currently away.

The duo will be playing in the African Cup of Nations. Eddie Nketiah is currently sidelined with coronavirus while Folarin Balogun may not feature as he is about to join Middlesbrough on loan.

Predicted Arsenal line-up: Leno; Soares, Holding, White, Tavares; Lokonga, Patino; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Martinelli.