Bournemouth (h)

We are at home on Saturday in a game that seems a very unwelcome distraction from the main event. It could be a chance to get a morale boosting win, but protecting players for Wednesday night may be as much a priority as going all out for a win.

We face a Bournemouth side who have hit the buffers somewhat in their chase for European football. Just 1 win in 10 for the Cherries, however they are on a 4 game unbeaten run. They are chasing 8th, which will become the Conference League spot if Manchester City win the FA Cup.

Bournemouth received an expected boost, the red card given to Evanilson in the draw with Man Utd has been rescinded. The ineptitude of match officials once again being highlighted. With Justin Kluivert returning to action last week, they only have a couple of players missing.

The team news will be interesting, Man City could close the gap to 3 points and Forest could get back within 4 of us before we kick off. If Arteta goes into full protection mode we could see Tierney, Zinchenko, White, Nwaneri and maybe even Sterling start. Given the lack of options it is likely we will see some key players start and more come off the bench. Could there be a full debut for some of the youngsters who have been on the bench recently? Nathan Butler-Oyedeji would be most likely, but even that seems improbable.


Bournemouth won the reverse fixture 2-0 following a Saliba red card. Christie and Kluivert (p) got the goals, but Evanilson caused a lot of problems - winning the penalty and also the man fouled for the red. It would be typical of football if Evanilson's redemption proves decisive.