Saturday’s early Premier League clash at the Emirates brings plenty of intrigue, as Ange Postecoglou takes charge of Nottingham Forest for the first time against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. For Forest, this is the beginning of a new era under the former Tottenham boss, while the Gunners are chasing top spot in the league table.
It’s been a dramatic opening to the season for Nottingham Forest. Nuno Espirito Santo’s tenure ended abruptly after his relationship with the board, and particularly with Head of Global Football Edu, broke down. Owner Evangelos Marinakis wasted no time in bringing in Postecoglou, a coach with proven pedigree after winning the Europa League, but whose style of play is vastly different from his predecessor.
Where Santo built his reputation on defensive stability and counter-attacking football, Postecoglou is known for his fearless, high-risk approach. His Spurs side often thrived in chaotic matches, though his recent Europa League victories over Frankfurt and Manchester United showed a more pragmatic edge.
He inherits a Forest side that has taken only four points from their opening three games, capped by a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to West Ham. Defensive frailties have been glaring — Forest have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 Premier League outings and haven’t managed one away from home since January. Still, they have been consistent entertainers on the road, with both teams scoring in each of their last eight away matches.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are looking to respond after suffering their first setback of the season just before the international break. Arteta’s men were moments away from taking a point at Anfield, only to be sunk by a stunning late free kick from Dominik Szoboszlai. The 1-0 defeat ended their perfect start and reignited criticism of Arteta’s supposedly “negative” tactics.
Yet, the numbers tell another story: Arsenal had more shots, more touches in the opposition box, and more possession in dangerous areas than Liverpool. Ultimately, though, the defeat left them three points behind the champions.
This weekend offers a chance to reclaim top spot, at least temporarily. Liverpool do not play until Sunday, while Chelsea, currently second, take on Brentford later that night. A win for Arsenal in the early kickoff would lift them back to the summit.
History also favours the Gunners. Forest haven’t beaten Arsenal away from home in 36 years, their last win at Highbury coming in 1989. Since then, the North London side have enjoyed near-total dominance in this fixture. Arteta himself also has a strong record against Postecoglou, winning three and drawing one of their four managerial meetings during the Australian’s time at Spurs.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
There is still some uncertainty surrounding William Saliba’s ankle problem. French reports suggest the centre-back could be sidelined for as long as four weeks, but journalist Charles Watts has indicated that timeline might not be entirely accurate. Either way, Saliba is expected to miss out this weekend, with Cristhian Mosquera — impressive in the tough trip to Anfield — likely to step in again. Ben White could also return after his recent knock, giving Mikel Arteta another option at the back.
Elsewhere, Christian Norgaard faces a late fitness test of his own, while Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Kai Havertz (knee), and Bukayo Saka (hamstring) are all confirmed absentees. On the positive side, Arsenal came through the international break without picking up any fresh injuries, and this match could finally see Eberechi Eze handed his first start, especially after Gabriel Martinelli’s quiet display against Liverpool.
Nottingham Forest also have selection concerns. Ola Aina is sidelined after picking up a hamstring issue during Nigeria’s clash with South Africa earlier this month, leaving Postecoglou short at full-back.
To complicate matters further, Oleksandr Zinchenko — on loan from Arsenal — is ineligible to face his parent club. That means new signing Nicolo Savona may be thrown straight into action. Midfielder Nicolas Dominguez (knee) will also sit out the Australian’s debut game in charge.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Yates; McAtee, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest
