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Arsenal will be heading into their opening Premier League game full of confidence having beaten Manchester City on penalties in the Community Shield last weekend.
It was an impressive display from the Gunners who will be desperate for a good start to the season after their 2023/24 campaign fizzled out.
With several players making their debut, Arteta could name an unchanged line-up heading into the tie with Forest.
Recent recruits Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber should likewise feature but Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Elneny are ruled out by knee problems.
Nottingham Forest may hand a debut to former Gunners goalkeeper Matt Turner, who arrived at the City Ground from Arsenal last week.
It won’t be an easy game however, with Arsenal losing four of their six opening league games as well as keeping just four clean sheets at home last season.
Arsenal Team News
Zinchenko has shaken off a calf injury in time to be available for the Emirates Stadium clash, having worked hard over pre-season to overcome the problem.
Jorginho had been carrying a muscle problem but Mikel Arteta expects the former Chelsea midfielder to be available for selection, boosting his midfield options.
Gabriel Jesus will miss out as he continues to fight back from knee trouble. The Brazil forward could be back in training next week but still isn’t expected to return anytime soon.
Declan Rice will make his Premier League debut for the Gunners following his record £105million summer switch from West Ham, as he could start alongside Martin Odegard and fellow new arrival Kai Havertz.
What has Arteta said?
Arteta is looking forward to the season ahead with Arsenal and the challenge of handling a bigger squad. The competition he has at his disposal should give him more going forward.
Speaking to the press, the Spaniard explained the idea of adding competition: “Increase the depth of the squad and the quality as well, and the ability to be more flexible and have more quality and more interaction with players that can make us better. That’s the whole point.”
Despite the added competition, Arteta believes Forest will provide a tough start for the Gunners.
“They did it [beat us last season] in a really clever way and they deserved on the day to get the points. Tomorrow we’re going to have to play better to deserve more.”
