Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest lineups – Can Forest claim win in Awoniyi’s absence?

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest lineups - Will Taiwo Awoniyi repeat history?
Credit: Icon Sport

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest lineups will not be available until a few moments to the start of the match.

However, fans of the Nigeria national football team, aka the Super Eagles, are excited to see Taiwo Awoniyi, Ola Aina and Emmanuel Dennis come 3 PM on Saturday 12 August.

They will be hoping to impress enough this season to be considered by the Super Eagles’ technical handlers ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament next January.

Taiwo Awoniyi in action for Nottingham Forest in pre-season
Credit: Icon Sport

As both teams prepare for the 2023/24 Premier League season curtain raiser, here is some team news and our predicted Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest lineup.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest team news

Defender Steve Cook will miss the Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest game after completing a transfer to EFL Championship club Queens Park Rangers earlier in the week.

Forest manager Steve Cooper would have loved to play the veteran in defence against Mikel Arteta’s young Arsenal stars but he will be forced to find a solution to their attack.

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper in pre-season
Credit: Icon Sport

Nottingham Forest will also be worried as there is no positive news about the ankle injury suffered by Taiwo Awoniyi in pre-season. They are still monitoring the situation and believe he could be fit for the second half of the match.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest probable lineups

Arsenal

Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale

Defenders: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber

Midfielders: Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice

Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli

Nottingham Forest

Goalkeeper: Matt Turner

Defenders: Joe Worrall, Willy Boly, Scott McKenna

Midfielders: Serge Aurier, Ryan Yates, Danilo, Orel Mangala, Ola Aina

Forwards: Morgan Gibbs-White, Brennan Johnson

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest confirmed lineups

*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released

Arsenal vs Nottingham predictions

Prediction 1: Arsenal to Win

This match will be played at the Emirates and it is unlikely that Taiwo Awoniyi will start thanks to hi injury. If he will be available for the game, it will be as a substitute. By that time, there will be no chance of a comeback after Arsenal have gone ahead.

Prediction 2: Arsenal to score in both halves

In their 5-0 home win against Forest last season, Arsenal scored in both halves of the game. This will be a similar outcome. Arsenal will also be buoyed by their quick start to life this season which saw them beat Manchester City to the FA Community Shield. They will put on a show for their fans at the Emirates in both halves and goals will follow.

Nigerian players to watch in Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest fixture

Ola Aina

Ola Aina takes a thrown in for new club Nottingham Forest
Credit: Icon Sport

The Chelsea academy graduate will be making his return to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest. He is a shoo-in for the starting XI because he comes in to replace Renan Lodi, who left for Olympique De Marseille in June. He will hope to curtail the attack of Arsenal and make a case for himself as the AFCON 2023 draws near.

Where to watch Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest live in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya

You can catch all the action live on Supersport Gotv Football, Supersport Maximo and the Supersport Premier League channel if you live in Nigeria, Kenya or Ghana.

This article was most recently revised and updated 3 months ago

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