Chris Sutton and Paul Merson have delivered their score predictions for Ange Postecoglou’s first match in charge of Nottingham Forest.
Postecoglou will be thrown in at the deep end with the Reds facing Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday (12:30pm).
The match will have an extra edge with Postecoglou having been manager of the Gunners’ north London rivals Tottenham.
“I am not expecting an extreme change from Nottingham Forest in Ange Postecoglou's first game in charge,” Sutton told the BBC.
“Sure, he will tweak things, and he has got his principles where he likes to play attacking football, but I can't imagine him going in with a high defensive line in his first game, especially against Arsenal.
“A return to north London is pretty much as tough a start as he could get, even though Arsenal have a few injuries with Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Kai Havertz ruled out.
“There is so much talent in the Arsenal squad now that they are still so dangerous - Noni Madueke was excellent for England against Serbia, and he will be full of confidence after that display.
“This might be another game where Arsenal have to grind a result out, but they will find a way of winning it.”
Sutton's prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Forest
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson said: “After the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo, it will take Forest some time to get used to Ange Postecoglou. It's like chalk and cheese.
“Nuno made them tight at the back and relied on the counter-attack, but we know how Postecoglou is someone who goes gung-ho with his approach.
“Don't get me wrong, I like watching Postecoglou's teams because his playing style is entertaining. But I'm not sure I would like it if it was being played by my team!
“Arsenal need to win because they have some tricky fixtures coming up. I expect the Gunners to get the job done at the Emirates.”
Merson’s prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Forest
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