Nottingham Forest play host to Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas predicted the outcome of Sunday’s FA Cup clash between Forest and the Gunners at the City Ground, when writing his prediction column for Sky Sports.
The Reds are currently in the midst of a really tricky spell, having not won in their last five outings, after recently parting ways with Mark Warburton, although they will surely be pumped up and rejuventaed for the visit of their more illustrious counterparts on Sunday.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are unbeaten in nine games in all competitions, although five of those games have ended in draws.
Arsene Wenger loves the FA Cup, having won the competition seven times, and he will surely field a fairly strong team in the hope of avoiding an upset in the east Midlands.
Nicholas, though, explained why he envisages a difficult afternoon for the Gunners at the City Ground this weekend, when writing his prediction column for Sky Sports:
I am concerned about Arsenal here. Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere and Alexandre Lacazette won’t play but the real concern is that defence. Per Mertesacker will come back in because Calum Chambers is absolutely broken. I’d still expect Arsenal to progress with Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott good enough and experienced enough to get them through what looks a very awkward clash.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-3 Arsenal
The game is of obvious importance to both sides, and the smart money will still be on Arsenal, despite Nicholas’ prediction that they could be in for a tough afternoon.
SkyBET list the Gunners as 4/7 favourites, whilst Forest are priced as the 9/2 underdogs.
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