2 changes by Arteta | Expected Arsenal line-up (4-3-3) vs Nottingham Forest

Arsenal play hosts to Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off.

The Gunners started the campaign with back-to-back victories before a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool.

They will be aiming to return to winning ways against Ange Postecoglou’s side tomorrow.

Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta has provided a big injury boost by confirming that William Saliba has returned to full training after recovering from an ankle concern last month.

Let’s have a look at how the Gunners could line up against Forest.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya has kept a couple of clean sheets this campaign. He made seven saves in the victory at Manchester United last month. The Spaniard is guaranteed to continue in goal.

In front of him, it should be the same backline which started the Liverpool game. Saliba was substituted after just four minutes, having twisted his ankle during the warm-up at Anfield.

The Frenchman has recovered in time and should partner Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of the defence. Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are poised to continue in the full-back roles.

The midfield should witness a change with Mikel Merino dropping to the bench for Martin Odegaard’s return. Merino had a poor outing at Anfield last time around. Odegaard was only a late substitute as he was struggling with a shoulder problem.

Merino bagged four goals during the international break for Spain including a hat-trick against Turkey, but the 29-year-old should still make way for Odegaard to accompany Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice in the heart of the Gunners’ midfield tomorrow.

Odegaard has had ideal preparation with one goal and two assists in Norway’s 11-1 rout of Moldova. Further forward, Eberechi Eze could make his first start in the Gunners’ shirt ahead of Gabriel Martinelli, who had a forgettable game at Anfield last month.

Martinelli barely provided a threat against Liverpool’s makeshift right-back, Dominik Szoboszlai. Eze was much better off the bench on the left wing. The former Crystal Palace man won a dribble, had more passes than the Brazilian and had a good scoring chance too.

Elsewhere, Noni Madueke looks poised to start on the right wing with Bukayo Saka still nursing a hamstring issue. Madueke was undoubtedly the Gunners’ best attacking outlet against the Reds. He had three attempts on goal and played with intent.

Viktor Gyokeres is expected to lead the attack once more. The Sweden international bagged two goals against Leeds United but hardly made an impact at Liverpool. He had a lack of service, and hopefully, he will get more chances to score on Saturday.

How Arsenal could line up vs Nottingham Forest

Stats from Sofascore.com

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