By Danong and 1970s Gooner
Mikel Arteta and Ange Postecoglou renew their rivalry as Arsenal host Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off at the Emirates.
Arteta remains unbeaten against Forest’s new boss in the league, and he’ll be determined to keep that record intact this weekend.
There’s a real air of unpredictability surrounding this fixture.
Will Postecoglou stick with Forest’s defensive, counter-attacking blueprint, or will he immediately impose his trademark high line and relentless gung-ho approach?
Arteta’s greatest asset heading into this clash is his side’s ability to focus on themselves, leaning on their strengths and trusting that their quality will see them through.
There’s been a timely injury boost, with Christian Nørgaard, William Saliba and Ben White returning to fitness. However, the Spaniard will be without key figures Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
Even so, thanks to the shrewd summer business conducted by the new sporting director Andrea Berta, Arsenal should still field a formidable XI.
Noni Madueke, fresh off a scintillating international break with England, looks ready to deputise for Saka. Viktor Gyökeres will aim to silence his doubters up front.
At the same time, Cristhian Mosquera, who impressed against Liverpool in Saliba’s absence, should slot in confidently alongside Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of defence (with Saliba rightfully rested for Champions League return and Manchester City).
Arteta could opt for this strong Arsenal line-up:
Raya
Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori
Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard
Madueke, Gyökeres, Eze
While many expect Eze to feature in a left central midfield role, Arteta may trial him on the left wing, a position that’s posed problems for Arsenal in recent times with Gabriel Martinelli struggling.
And Eze will have the freedom to drift towards a left forward come midfield position with Calafiori providing the width on the left side.
If Eze thrives there, he could become the long-term solution for that spot.
Having lost their last outing (Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal), this fixture presents the perfect opportunity for the Gunners to bounce back.
If they can shake off the post-international break rust, Arsenal could extend their unbeaten run against Forest to five matches.
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