Arsenal and Nottingham Forest are back in Premier League action this weekend after the recent international break as Gunners host the Tricky Trees at the Emirates on Saturday.
Softfootball reported that the Gunners suffered a 1-0 loss against Liverpool in their last league match at Anfield on August 31. Forest meanwhile, endured a 3-0 defeat against West Ham United at City Ground in what proved to be Nuno Espirito Santo’s final game in charge.
The Gunners had taken maximum points from their opening two fixtures, including a 5-0 home win over Leeds prior to the Anfield trip and start the weekend in third place.
There will be a familiar face opposing Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium dugout with Ange Postecoglou replacing Nuno Espirito Santo as Forest’s head coach earlier in the week.
The Australian is back in management after leaving Tottenham at the end of last season and it’s his connection to Spurs that should see him receive a not-so pleasant reception from the home fans.
Arsenal have a good record against Forest, with 10 victories and only two defeats in 16 Premier League meetings. They have never lost to them at Emirates Stadium, with their last home defeat to the team from the Midlands coming in 1989.
Mikel Arteta has six outstanding injuries in his squad despite the season entering just the fourth matchweek. They have two defenders missing action, William Saliba, who suffered an ankle injury, and Ben White, who sustained a knock last month. A defensive reshuffle will therefore be required.
Bukayo Saka, who suffered a hamstring injury, and Kai Havertz, who has a knee issue, are also expected to miss Arsenal’s upcoming match. Gabriel Jesus sustained a cruciate ligament tear in January this year and is expected to return to the pitch by the end of next month.
The game against Forest could see Eberechi Eze receive his first start for Arsenal after making his debut at Anfield. The 27-year-old joined the Gunners from Crystal Palace on a four-year deal reportedly worth over £60 million ($81m) late in the transfer window.
Arsenal predicted possible starting lineup: Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze.
This will be quite the opening test for Postecoglou, appointed Forest head coach following the dismissal of Nuno, who was in charge since 2023.
Surprisingly, Forest have a very healthy squad for Postecoglou’s first game in charge, the likes of Chris Wood, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson are all fit, which will certainly provide a test for the Gunners.
The Australian’s main injury headache concern is Nicolas Dominguez, who is dealing with a long-term meniscus injury in his left leg. He underwent surgery at the end of last season, and is expected to be side-lined until at least October.
Also Ola Aina looks set to be unavailable as well after picking up an injury on international duty in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa on Tuesday.
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup: Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Yates; McAtee, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
