Premier League Round 21 Preview: Arsenal Await Star Striker, Nottingham Forest's Fierce New Coach

Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace - Gabriel Jesus Expected to Start

The Premier League’s 21st round continues on the evening of January 20th, with Arsenal fans eagerly anticipating the potential return of their star striker, Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal’s recent struggles in attack are closely linked to Jesus' absence due to injury. As the only true center forward in the squad, his presence is crucial for Arsenal's offensive play.

From topping the table at Christmas to almost slipping out of the Champions League spots, Arsenal’s performance during the congested holiday fixture period has been disappointing for their fans. The decline in attack has been particularly noticeable, with Mikel Arteta’s team scoring just one goal in their recent three-match losing streak. This is not a new issue; since their away defeat to Aston Villa on December 10th, Arsenal have only managed to score more than one goal in a match once in seven games. The FA Cup home loss to Liverpool further highlighted the fans' longing for Jesus, despite his occasional wastefulness in front of goal. His confidence as a center forward is unmatched by any other player in the squad.

Without a reliable center forward, Arsenal’s players have shown a reluctance to stay in central attacking positions. The better the shooting opportunity, the more anxious the players appear, causing fans to doubt Arsenal’s ability to clinch the Premier League title.

After the Liverpool defeat, Arsenal took a break in Dubai to enjoy the sunshine, while Crystal Palace had to play a midweek FA Cup replay against Everton due to a previous draw. Everton, capitalizing on home advantage, eliminated Palace with a balanced 1-0 victory. Although Palace sacrificed some rest, the additional game provided them with extra revenue, which is always beneficial for a smaller club like theirs. Moreover, Roy Hodgson’s team had a 13-day rest before the FA Cup replay, so their fitness should not be an issue.

If Arsenal wins this round, they will temporarily overtake Aston Villa and secure the third spot on the table. Crystal Palace, having ended an eight-match winless streak with a victory over Brentford, now have a comfortable lead over the relegation zone and are unlikely to go head-to-head with Arsenal. Jesus' potential return to the starting lineup would significantly boost Arsenal’s attacking power, and they are expected to secure a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

Brentford vs. Nottingham Forest - Can the Bees Fly Out of the Forest?

Brentford, often affectionately known as the Bees, find themselves in a tough spot this season. Despite comfortably avoiding relegation in the past two seasons, they are currently on a five-match losing streak and just three points clear of the relegation zone. What worries fans even more is that Brentford’s losing streak shows no signs of abating and appears to be worsening. While their first three losses were narrow one-goal defeats, their last two matches have seen them concede at least three goals each. Even against Crystal Palace, the team with the third-fewest goals in the Premier League, Brentford conceded three goals, leading to speculation that coach Thomas Frank might be opting for a more offensive strategy at the expense of defensive solidity.

While Brentford is struggling, Nottingham Forest seems to have turned a corner under their new coach. After a seven-match winless run, Forest surprisingly ended their slump by defeating Newcastle United, a team representing the Premier League in the Champions League this season. They followed this with another victory against Manchester United, marking their first back-to-back wins of the season. New Zealand striker Chris Wood’s hat-trick against his former club Newcastle was pivotal for Forest’s resurgence. Wood, initially signed by Newcastle as a transition player during their financial upgrade to a powerhouse, lost his place following the arrival of players like Alexander Isak. Last season, he was loaned to Forest, who made the transfer permanent this season for £17 million, proving to be a worthy investment.

Both Brentford and Forest recently played FA Cup replays and had to endure extra time. Brentford were defeated in extra time, while Forest advanced thanks to Wood’s extra-time goal, further boosting their new coach Pedro Santos’ credibility with the fans. With both teams needing to make adjustments, Brentford’s historical advantage against Forest in both the Premier League and the Championship gives them a slight edge, and they are predicted to secure a 2-1 victory.

Arsenal’s Struggles Without Gabriel Jesus

Arsenal’s dip in form during the festive period is a cause for concern, especially their struggle to find the back of the net. Mikel Arteta’s side has been heavily reliant on Gabriel Jesus, and his absence has been felt keenly. The Brazilian forward, known for his dynamic movement and ability to create chances, has been sorely missed. His potential return could not come at a better time as Arsenal look to regain their attacking prowess.

During Jesus’ absence, Arsenal’s attacking players have appeared hesitant and lacking in confidence. Players have shown a tendency to avoid central attacking roles, often drifting wide or looking to pass rather than shoot. This lack of a focal point in the attack has led to a significant drop in goals, with the team managing just one goal in their last three games.

Arteta will be hoping that Jesus’ return can spark a turnaround in form. The Brazilian’s presence in the squad not only adds a goal threat but also boosts the morale of his teammates. His work rate and willingness to press high up the pitch set the tone for Arsenal’s attacking play. If he is fit to start against Crystal Palace, it could be the catalyst that Arsenal needs to get their season back on track.

Crystal Palace’s Form Under Roy Hodgson

Crystal Palace, under the experienced management of Roy Hodgson, has shown resilience and determination. Despite being a smaller club with limited resources, they have managed to compete admirably in the Premier League. Their recent FA Cup replay against Everton, although resulting in a loss, demonstrated their fighting spirit and ability to challenge stronger teams.

Hodgson’s pragmatic approach to games often sees Palace setting up defensively, looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. This strategy has been effective, especially against teams that dominate possession. Against Arsenal, Palace is likely to adopt a similar approach, looking to frustrate the Gunners and hit them on the break.

Palace’s key players, such as Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze, will be crucial in this fixture. Their ability to run at defenses and create chances could trouble an Arsenal defense that has shown vulnerability in recent games. However, with Jesus potentially returning for Arsenal, Palace’s defense will have to be at its best to contain the Brazilian forward.

Brentford’s Defensive Woes

Brentford’s defensive issues have been a significant factor in their recent poor form. Conceding three goals in each of their last two matches indicates a team struggling to maintain defensive solidity. Thomas Frank’s side has been known for its disciplined defensive structure, but recent games have seen a departure from this, with the team looking more vulnerable.

The loss to Crystal Palace, where Brentford conceded three goals to one of the league’s least prolific sides, highlights the extent of their defensive problems. Frank will need to address these issues urgently if Brentford is to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.

In contrast, their opponents, Nottingham Forest, have found a new lease on life under their new coach. Forest’s victories over Newcastle and Manchester United have given them a much-needed boost, and they will be looking to continue this momentum against Brentford.

Nottingham Forest’s Revival Under Pedro Santos

Pedro Santos has had an immediate impact since taking over at Nottingham Forest. The team’s back-to-back wins against strong opposition have lifted the spirits of both players and fans. Chris Wood’s resurgence as a goal-scoring threat has been a key factor in Forest’s recent success.

Wood’s hat-trick against Newcastle, his former club, was a statement performance. The striker, who struggled for game time at Newcastle, has found a new home at Forest, and his contributions have been invaluable. His physical presence and ability to hold up the ball provide Forest with a focal point in attack, allowing other players to join the play.

Santos’ tactical adjustments have also been crucial. The new coach has instilled a sense of discipline and organization in the team, particularly in defense. This newfound solidity has allowed Forest to compete effectively against stronger teams and secure vital points.

The Importance of Squad Depth

The busy fixture schedule in the Premier League places a premium on squad depth. Both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have had to cope with injuries and suspensions, making the role of substitute players increasingly important. For Arsenal, the potential return of Jesus is a significant boost, but the performances of other squad members will also be crucial in the coming weeks.

Nottingham Forest’s recent success has been built on the contributions of players like Wood, who have stepped up when given the opportunity. Santos’ ability to rotate his squad effectively and get the best out of his players will be vital as Forest look to climb the table.

In conclusion, the 21st round of the Premier League promises to be an exciting one. Arsenal’s clash with Crystal Palace will be closely watched, especially with the potential return of Gabriel Jesus. Brentford’s game against a resurgent Nottingham Forest will also be a key fixture, as both teams look to secure crucial points. As the season progresses, the importance of having reliable squad players and effective tactical adjustments will be more apparent, influencing the outcomes of these vital matches.