Mikel Arteta & Arsenal return home looking to bounce back, while Forest enter a new era under Ange Postecoglou.
Arsenal take on Forest
Arsenal go into the weekend looking to forget their late disappointment at Anfield. Playing in front of their home fans at the Emirates, they will surely feel confident given their home record.
Head coach Mikel Arteta does still have some injury concerns. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, William Saliba and Gabriel Jesus are all absent as well. So, this means he will have to change things around. The good news is Martin Odegaard’s return should bring balance and creativity in midfield.
The Gunners recent form at home is encouraging. They have two wins on the spin and three clean sheets in their last five. That kind of defensive stability makes them firm favourites going into this one, even with a patched-up squad.
Forest enter new chapter under Postecoglou
For Forest, this match is about more than points. It’s about starting fresh under Ange Postecoglou. The change in the dugout comes after a tough spell with Nuno Espirito Santo. But, Postecoglou doesn’t get an easy start. His side arrive on the back of a 3-0 defeat to West Ham. They haven’t kept a clean sheet yet this season, leaking seven goals in just three games.
Adding to the challenge, Ola Aina is sidelined, which further weakens their already shaky backline. Forest will rely heavily on Morgan Gibbs-White to spark something in attack. Meanwhile, Chris Wood leads the line.
But their track record at Arsenal is poor. They haven’t taken a league win there since 1989. That history, coupled with their early-season struggles, suggests a long afternoon could be on the cards.
Predicted XI
Arsenal : Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze
Nottingham Forest : Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Yates; McAtee, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Author’s Opinion:
Arsenal will suffer from injuries, but when they play at the Emirates, they normally find another gear. Forest will put up a fight, but they may need a bit of time to steady the ship. A home win looks the most likely outcome.