Video: Philippe Montanier on Forest’s chances against Arsenal
Philippe Montanier says Forest will need extra focus in defence to beat Arsenal – but says it shouldn’t mean his side sacrifices the attacking intent seen in his early games in charge.
Forest face the Premier League’s fourth-placed side at the City Ground in the EFL Cup third round on Tuesday hoping for what would be an upset and sign of intent for the season.
Montanier will need to best his fellow Frenchman Arsene Wenger to achieve that – and former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner seems certain to play a part.
But despite facing one of the slickest passing sides in Europe, Montanier says Forest will try to hold true to his style of holding possession and have no plans to try to win the game by prioritising defence.
Read more: Forest’s best recent performances against Premier League opposition
“This game means we can show our quality against a big team,” he said.
“We need to have a good balance between attack and defence, possession of the ball will be a factor and we must be very focussed defensively.
“But we like to attack too – we have to maintain our style and when we regain the ball we have to play and play forward.
“I’d like to play this competition at one hundred per cent – sure it will be very tough for us against Arsenal but if you want to realise an achievement this is a good opportunity.”
“We have to play at our top level. If we have 20 or 30 per cent chance to win then we need to play at 100 per cent.”
Video: Nicklas Bendtner on getting his first competitive football in months at Forest
Inevitably most of the pre-game headlines have focused on Bendtner, who signed for Forest on a free transfer last month after leaving German club Wolfsburg.
He made his debut for the Gunners in 2005 and only left two years ago after loan spells at Sunderland and Juventus.
Nottingham Forest V Arsenal, EFL Cup Third Round, Tuesday, Sept 20 2016
Kick off: 7.45pm
TV/Radio: Previews on Notts TV 5.30pm/7.30pm, no live television coverage but BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio Nottingham (not broadcast online).
Odds: Forest 19/4, draw 100/30 Arsenal 8/15 (SkyBet)
Forest team news: Nicklas Bendtner could start against his old club after featuring off the bench in the last two league games. Britt Assombalonga and Thomas Lam are out.
Arsenal: Defender Gabriel expected to feature after injury comeback. A number of changes expected but Mertesacker, Welbeck, Jenkinson, Giroud and Ramsey are all out. Theo Walcott could play on the right of midfield.
Tickets: Sold out
Weather: 15C and cloudy but expected to remain dry with low wind and good visibility.
And the 28-year-old seems almost certain to feature after coming off the bench for half an hour in both of Forest’s last two games – the 2-2 draw away at Rotheram and Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Norwich.
Montanier believes emotion won’t get the better of his new signing – who has looked fitter than expected having not played competitively for months before signing for Forest.
“Nicklas has big experience. For him it is a very special game but he’s focused on his job with the team. You get used to these experiences when you have been playing in football for a long time.”
For more on tonight’s game including more interviews and a special preview watch Notts TV News from 5.30pm on Tuesday, September 20 on Freeview channel 7, Sky 117 and Virgin 159.
