Nottingham Forest can boost UCL hopes by axing Dominguez for £50k-p/w star

Nottingham Forest host Arsenal at the City Ground this evening, looking to return to winning ways after two defeats in a row against Newcastle United and Fulham in the Premier League.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side still sit on 47 points before the clash against the Gunners, looking to close the gap to Mikel Arteta’s men, who sit six points ahead of them at present.

The Reds are unbeaten in the last six league clashes at the City Ground, looking to extend such a record tonight as they aim to bolster their Champions League qualification hopes.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo before the match

The visitors currently have a whole host of injury issues heading into the meeting in the East Midlands, with both outfits desperately needing to get back on track after losing last weekend.

However, if Nuno is to claim three needed points tonight, he simply must drop one player after his poor showing against the Magpies at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Nicolas Dominguez’s stats against Newcastle United

Elliot Anderson was partnered at the heart of the midfield by Nicolas Dominguez for the trip to Newcastle after Danilo was left out of the side as he continues his injury comeback.

However, the Argentine was unable to impress on Tyneside, struggling to impose himself on the clash, with Eddie Howe’s side scoring four times in just 12 first half minutes.

The 26-year-old featured for 76-minutes before his eventual substitution, with his withdrawal warranted given the fact he was dribbled past four times during the contest.

Dominguez also committed two fouls and receiving yet another booking, moving him onto seven yellow cards in 2024/25 – the joint-most of any player in the squad.

As a result of his disappointing afternoon in the North East, Nuno should look to replace him for the clash against Arteta’s side, allowing one player to regain his place in the starting lineup.

The player who should replace Dominguez against Arsenal

Midfielder Ryan Yates hasn’t started a league game for Forest since the 5-0 thrashing against Bournemouth at the end of January, dropping down the order as a result.

However, despite not starting against the Magpies, the 27-year-old came off the bench with just 14 minutes remaining, but he still managed to make an impact on proceedings.

The Reds academy graduate found himself on the scoresheet, providing a nervy finish, and almost completing a comeback after being 4-1 down heading into the break.

Yates, who’s previously been dubbed “superb” by commentator Jamie Martin, won 100% of ground duels after coming off the bench against Howe’s side, also completing 100% of his attempted dribbles.

The £50k-per-week midfielder managed to register two efforts on goal along with two defensive recoveries, having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch as the Reds pushed for an equaliser.

Ryan Yates’ stats against Newcastle on Sunday
Statistics	Tally
Minutes played	14
Touches	13
Goals scored	1
Ground duels won	1/1 (100%)
Dribbles completed	1/1 (100%)
Shots taken	2
Recoveries made	2
Stats via SofaScore

His work rate and effort levels have often impressed the fanbase – that, coupled with his academy background, makes it feel like he truly is one of their own.

After such an impact off the substitutes’ bench, he deserves the opportunity to showcase his talents in the centre of the park, with his relentless nature perfect for the clash against a fellow top four side.

The meeting at the City Ground will likely be a nervy affair with both sides needing vital points to secure their place in the top four, with Nuno needing to start Yates if his side are to claim the win tonight.