Report: Arsenal host Nottingham Forest as Premier League action returns | OneFootball

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Premier League Preview at the Emirates

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday lunchtime when they host Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium. The 12.30pm kick-off comes straight after the international break, with both sides hoping to reset and build momentum in the new campaign.

This fixture carries additional intrigue as Ange Postecoglou steps back into English football management with Forest, months after leaving Tottenham. His Spurs connection will almost certainly provoke a frosty welcome from the Arsenal crowd.

Key details for Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

The clash takes place on Saturday 13 September, with live television coverage in the UK on TNT Sports. Build-up begins at 11am on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, before the match kicks off at 12.30pm. Subscribers can also watch online via the Discovery+ platform.

Supporters without access can still follow the game through live blogs, while highlights will be available from 5.15pm on the Sky Sports app and YouTube channel. Match of the Day will feature extended coverage later that evening on BBC One at 10.50pm.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal team news and selection calls

Arsenal could hand a first start to £67.5m summer signing Eberechi Eze. The midfielder made an impact off the bench against Liverpool in the previous round and is pushing for inclusion from the start.

Ben White should be fit to return, while Christian Norgaard and Piero Hincapie are both in contention. However, Mikel Arteta faces a lengthy absentee list with William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all set to miss out.

Forest will be without Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is ineligible to face his parent club following a late transfer window loan move. With Ola Aina also likely to be sidelined, Postecoglou faces a defensive reshuffle.

“Eberechi Eze is pushing to start for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest” read an update from the club as anticipation grows around the new signing’s full debut.

Tactical dynamics and prediction

Postecoglou’s arrival on the Forest bench changes the complexion of the contest. Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Arsenal might have expected to face a deep defensive block. Instead, the new manager is known for encouraging aggressive pressing and a high defensive line, traits that characterised his Tottenham side.

That philosophy could leave spaces for Arsenal’s attacking talent. If they are sharp in the final third, the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Eze and Noni Madueke should find opportunities. With the Gunners at home and boasting superior quality, the forecast points towards a comfortable victory.

The prediction is Arsenal to win 4-0.