Entering game week 1 with all the excitement and anticipation of what Arsenal and Mikel can deliver for the fans, here at Art of Analysis we look at what we can expect to see!
Predicted Lineup*:
Last year was a mixed bag with Forest. Arsenal hammered them in their first encounter 5-0. But were then frustrated and defeated 1-0 at the away leg at The City Ground. Where Arsenal had 80% of possession and 11 shots but non on target! We can only hope another such frustrating even doesn’t happen again!
The wildcard ahead of the season opener for Arsenal will be Matt Turner. The new Forest signing, a lifelong Arsenal fan, a goalkeeper who credits his passion for the sport and pursuit of his career to Arsenal FC.
Typically speaking Arsenal are huge favourites for this match and should expect a dominating performance with a scoreline to reflect. However, I expect that Mikel expects to dominate possession but have a tough time scoring if Matt Turner is on the field. The new signing for Forest from Arsenal and with certainly something to prove if he starts. A man perhaps with a grudge, he certainly looked unhappy in his reveal for Forest. Perhaps Arsenal owed him more, perhaps he should have been given more opportunities to play, cup run or two… perhaps.
Despite this, Arsenal’s sheer overabundance of quality must shine through. With world class talent in the side and ambitions of Trophies a plenty this season, Arsenal must overcome the likely defensive block presented from Forest. It will likely take moments of individual brilliance in the form of a Saka cut inside and shot from outside the box. Alternatively, a frustrated Trossard hammering a shot home maybe with a deflection or two a la Man City.
Combine this with another star performance from Timber providing support on the left flank and whites overlapping runs to provide dangerous balls into the box, Arsenal should come through victorious.
This is certainly the result I see taking place on Saturday. With that you can see my predictions below.
POTM: Saka
Result: 2-0 Arsenal
Suggested Bet: Saka (anytime scorer) @ 2.25
Written by Reekesh Somaroo
*Lineup Created on buildlineup.com