Nottingham Forest are back in Premier League action this afternoon as they take on Arsenal at the City Ground (5.30pm kick off).
Steve Cooper ’s side go into the match knowing that they can take a massive step towards Premier League safety should they pick up all three points over Mikel Arteta’s team. Forest currently sit in 16th place in the league, three points clear of Leeds in 18th and four points clear of 19th placed Leicester City.
The Reds picked up a 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their last outing, building on a 4-3 win over now relegated Southampton the week before. Depending on other results over the weekend, Forest could secure their place in the Premier League for another season by the end of the weekend.
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If that does happen, it will be an achievement celebrated around the City, especially considering the number of injuries the club have had to deal with over the course of the season. Ahead of the game against Arsenal, Forest are still expected to be without as many as nine players due to injury.
Cooper has been given a boost though with the news that key midfielder Danilo should be fit to start the game. Striker Emmanuel Dennis is also back in full training meaning he could be available for selection.
“Yeah, he seems OK,” Cooper said on Danilo . “He’s been in training. It was more about after the Brentford game, but he managed to get through most of the Chelsea game and should be fine.”
With the absences through injury in mind, the options available to the Forest boss for the key clash against the Gunners can be seen below.
Goalkeepers : Keylor Navas, Wayne Hennessey, George Shelvey
Defenders : Felipe, Renan Lodi, Harry Toffolo, Joe Worrall, Moussa Niakhate, Willy Boly Serge Aurier
Midfielders : Remo Freuler, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jesse Lingard, Orel Mangala, Jonjo Shelvey, Ryan Yates, Cheikhou Kouyate, Danilo
Forwards : Brennan Johnson, Taiwo Awoniyi, Andre Awey, Emmanuel Dennis, Sam Surridge
Injured or doubtful : Giulian Biancone, Dean Henderson, Chris Wood, Neco Williams, Omar Richards, Scott Mckenna, Gustavo Scarpa, Jack Colback
Who would you start vs Arsenal? Tell us in the comments section
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