England Premier League
Saturday 12th August 2023
Kick off at 12:30pm BST
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Match Preview:
There’s been a buzz around this Arsenal side and it was clear as daylight to see last season how much they had improved under Mikel Arteta. Granted there would be disappointment and even though they led the Premier League for a record amount of time they still couldn’t win it as they had a poor final six weeks. But the talent is there and it has been added with the arrivals of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Juirren Timber. Indeed the Gunners have spent over £200m so far, although they did receive £21m for Granit Xhaka as he has departed to Bayer Leverkusen.
Pre-season has seen a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United but they did beat Barcelona 5-3 and an MLS All star team 5-0. The most significant game though was last weekend as they won the Community Shield beating Manchester City on penalties after the game had finished 1-1. Arsenal will rightly be amongst the favourites to mount a title challenge once again.
Nottingham Forest seemed to buy up every professional player who wasn’t world class last season and you can’t blame them, it worked, they survived. Now it is a case of trying to become a staple side in the league, like Crystal Palace for example and if Forest can maintain mid-table for a few good years then the fans would be happy for that, at this time it is all about coming into March and not having the threat of relegation. Forest have made two significant signings in Chris Wood from Newcastle for a reported £12m and they snatched Anthony Elanga from Everton’s interest as he came from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.
Pre-season has been poor for the club with just two wins from seven over Levante and Notts County, there defeats include losing 5-0 to Rennes in England and a 2-0 defeat against Leeds who were relegated.
Team News:
Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus will miss the beginning of the season with a knee injury after an operation and isn’t initially due back for two weeks though that could be increased given his recovery time. Floarin Balogun has a foot injury but could be assessed. Jorginho will be assessed due to a muscle injury.
Nottingham Forest: Felipe is a major doubt with his knee, Taiwo Awoniyi has a knock and will be assessed. Moussa Niakhate misses out with an arm injury but could be back next week.
Arsenal vs Nottm Forest Head to Head:
Last season this fixture finished 5-0 to Arsenal.
Arsenal have scored 10 goals in their last two home games against Nottingham Forest with no reply.
There is a 60% chance to see over 2.5 goals.
Arsenal vs Nottm Forest Prediction:
Arsenal will be in very good spirits after their Community Shield win and this of course is their first game of the season and at home. It will be a glorious afternoon and everything is set up not just for an Arsenal victory but one with a few goals too. We don’t expect to see much from Forest who will have to make do without the ball for extended periods and we do expect to see Arsenal come charging out of the blocks.
Of course Mikel Arteta’s team are huge odds on favourites so for value let’s look into different markets. One of those is taking a step back to the last two Arsenal fixtures at home to Forest where we can see both Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson have filled their boots and it could be worth backing at least one of these players to get on the score sheet at the weekend.
Arsenal vs Nottm Forest Betting Tips:
Half Time/Full Time: Arsenal/Arsenal at 1.66
Anytime goalscorer: Gabriel Martinelli at 2.50
Over 3.5 goals at 2.10
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