(4-2-2) Eberechi Eze debut,Dowman back in the starting XI,Merino decision”, Predicted Arsenal line up vs Nottingham Forest Today – as Mikel Arteta confirmed Five crucial changes
(4-2-2) Eberechi Eze debut,Dowman back in the starting XI,Merino decision”, Predicted Arsenal line up vs Nottingham Forest Today – as Mikel Arteta confirmed Five crucial changes
Arsenal return from the international break as they host Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners had their perfect start to the season ended last time out as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of title rivals Liverpool. Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free kick in the late stages was all that separated the sides in what was a tight affair.
Forest will begin a new era in the tie as Ange Postecoglou takes charge of his first game as manager after taking over from Nuno Espírito Santo. The Portuguese coach was sacked following a mixed start to the season, with a 3-0 home loss to West Ham being his final match at the helm.
Arteta will be eager for his side to return to winning ways after hitting a bump in the road, but will know a tough test awaits as they face a Forest team looking to kickstart a new manager bounce under the leadership of Ange.
Here’s our preview of Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal team news
Bukayo Saka is set to be unavailable for the clash after picking up an injury in a 5-0 win over Leeds United in August. He could be joined on the sidelines by William Saliba, who was forced off just five minutes into the defeat at Anfield. Cristhian Mosquera may come into the starting lineup in the Frenchman’s place.
Noni Madueke is likely to continue in place of Saka on the right flank. He scored his first goal for England during the international break so will be hoping that gives him a boost of confidence. Eberechi Eze could make his full debut on the opposite side as he may replace the underperforming Gabriel Martinelli.
New signing Piero Hincapie has made a case to make his maiden Gunners appearance on Saturday after an impressive performance for Ecuador, but it’s likely his first outing will come from the bench.
Both Ben White and Christian Norgaard will be hoping to return to the matchday squad as they look to complete their respective recoveries from injury while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are certain to miss out.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Nottingham Forest: Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze
Nottingham Forest team news
On the sideline for Forest for the first time, Postecoglou has a team with a clean bill of health, bar one player.
The Australian is likely to be without Ola Aina after he sustained an injury while on international duty with Nigeria. That could see new signing Nicolo Savona come in at right back to make his debut.
Oleksandr Zinchenko joined Forest on loan late on deadline day, but he will have to wait to play his first game for his new side. Certain regulations mean he is unable to face his parent club.
Predicted Nottingham Forest lineup vs Arsenal: Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Yates; McAtee, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest score prediction
Arsenal will know this is a perfect chance to bounce back from their defeat to Liverpool as they come up against a side that is playing under a new manager for the first time. They will also have to build momentum ahead of a tough run of games against the likes of Manchester City and Newcastle.
Forest will certainly not go down without a fight, but with a tactical rejig likely to come under Postecoglou, they may need some time to adapt to things and that won’t have happened in time to take three points from the Emirates.
Arteta’s side should have no real problems in securing the victory on Saturday and should be able to see out a straightforward win to brighten their spirits for the weekend.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Nottingham Forest
