Arsenal face Nottingham Forest in a top-of-the-table clash at the City Ground on Wednesday night.
There’s no time for Arsenal to dwell on their disappointing 1-0 defeat to West Ham United at the Emirates.
While the defeat to the Hammers severely dented Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes, there are still 36 points to play for.
A trip to the City Ground hasn’t always been kind to the Gunners in the past, who will eye three points against Nuno Espirito Santo’s high fliers.
- READ MORE: Nuno Espirito Santo says three Arsenal players absolutely tormented Nottingham Forest in November
Arsenal have space for an academy talent in Nottingham Forest squad
It’s expected that Mikel Arteta will make some changes to face Forest despite the Arsenal manager having limited resources to rotate.
Arsenal’s injury list has been a problem all season, with key attackers set to miss out against the Tricky Trees.
As well as being low on the attacking front, there will be a dilemma to tend to in defence, as Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended for the Forest clash.
Lewis-Skelly was shown a red card against West Ham meaning he will miss out which is a shame for Arsenal but, could open a door to the next rising star.
Due to the 18-year-old’s suspension, a space for an academy player will open up on the bench, which could see another young talent get a taste of senior action.
Arsenal academy expert Jeorge Bird raised the point and shared his pick for the bench, stating that Ismeal Kabia ‘seems closest’ to the first team at present.
Kabia has been impressing in the academy and earned his senior debut back in September in the EFL Cup win over Bolton Wanderers.
The 19-year-old has featured on the bench in the Premier League six times this season, a figure that could rise at the City Ground on Wednesday.
Ismeal Kabia is one to watch at Arsenal
Deployable as a right or left winger, Kabia has many strings to his bow when it comes to intricate wing play.
Taking to his blog, Jeorge Bird shared a scouting report on the teenager, describing him as a player who is ‘dangerous’ in crossing situations.
“Kabia uses his speed to excellent effect and is capable of delivering dangerous crosses with regularity. Defenders have often found it difficult to deal with Kabia’s crosses, which are sent in with such speed.”
In the under-21’s side this season, the Dutchman has contributed to eight goals in 16 appearances, scoring twice and assisting six to showcase his threat in the final third.
Kabia could be in line to make the match-day squad against Forest which is something to eye ahead of the clash at the City Ground.
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