Arsenal will kick off their Premier League campaign today as they face Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium. After falling short against Manchester City last season, Mikel Arteta's side claimed victory in the Community Shield last week. Meanwhile, Steve Cooper's Forest barely avoided relegation and will be looking to make a statement with an underdog win on the opening weekend.
Arsenal's Strong Start
Arteta's men are entering the season with confidence after defeating Manchester City in the Community Shield. The team will likely feature new signings Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Kai Havertz, adding depth to their midfield and defense. Forest, on the other hand, had a shaky pre-season, winning only two of their seven friendly matches.
Team News and Injuries
New signings Rice, Timber, and Havertz are expected to make their Premier League debuts for Arsenal. However, Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus will miss the first few weeks of the season due to a knee injury. Jorginho could return for the Gunners after missing the Community Shield game. Forest may be without Brazilian center-back Felipe, who is recovering from a knee injury.
Star Players to Watch
The Gunners boast a lineup of star players including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard. However, all eyes will be on Declan Rice after his £105 million transfer from West Ham. For Forest, Morgan Gibbs-White will play a key role, while Anthony Elanga's addition brings excitement after his time at Manchester United.
SunSport Prediction
Arsenal is riding high after their victory over Man City, and with Forest's mixed pre-season, it's unlikely they will pull off a surprise. Despite Gabriel Jesus' absence, the Gunners have a strong attacking lineup and are expected to dominate the match. Prediction: Arsenal 4-1 Nottingham Forest.
Match Details
The Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest match will take place today, Saturday, August 12, at 12:30pm BST at the Emirates Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, and viewers can also stream it via the discovery+ app or follow SunSport's live blog for updates.
Odds
Match Result Odds:
- Arsenal – 1/6
- Draw – 6/1
- Nottingham Forest – 13/1
Odds courtesy of PaddyPower and are correct at the time of publication.
