Following their 3-2 enthralling win against Aston Villa, Arsenal host Nottingham Forest in the Third Round of the Carabao Cup today with a side that should see lots of changes.
Unai Emery has referenced in his press conference that there will be a lot of rotation with an eye on the Manchester United fixture.
From the u-23 players, Folarin Balogun, Tyreece John-Jules, Robbie Burton and Tolaji Bola have all trained with the first-team ahead of the clash. Balogun is certainly one to watch this evening. The Englishman’s incredible goal record for Arsenal’s academy last season has certainly caught the eye of the Arsenal manager after he netted 25 goals in 19 starts for the under-18s, with an average of a goal every 62 minutes. This season, for the u-23s he has scored 6 goals in 6 games already.
🔥 @FBalogun67’s season so far…
0️⃣6️⃣ goals
0️⃣6️⃣ gamesA seamless transition to #AFCU23 😎 pic.twitter.com/DFd2VZ00ZB
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) September 20, 2019
It is widely expected that Balogun debuts for the first team against Forest tonight. The game could also see the likes of Reiss Nelson and recent academy breakthrough star Bukayo Saka following his Europa League masterclass and Premier League debut play a part. Emile Smith-Rowe is also another one that will likely play either as a substitute or as a starter in the match. Emery has confirmed that Holding will play his first match after his long-term injury whilst Tierney and Bellerín will be evaluated to see if they are going to be able to play.
Folarin Balogun, Tyreece John-Jules, Bukayo Saka and Marc Bola trained with the first-team today. All four are likely to be involved against Nottingham Forest.
Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney also trained. [@jeorgebird]. pic.twitter.com/du6piBGnuo
— TheAFCnewsroom (@TheAFCnewsroom) September 23, 2019
Arsenal’s predicted line up vs. Nottingham Forest:
