ARSENAL will get their latest Premier League campaign underway this Saturday lunchtime when they host Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta’s side will go into the clash full of confidence after winning the Community Shield against Manchester City last weekend.
Cole Palmer had given City the lead with a sumptuous left footed shot on 77 minutes.
But substitute Leandro Trossard’s equaliser 11 minutes into stoppage time sent the match to penalty kicks – with Arsenal winning 4-1 from the spot.
Arteta was forced into some big decisions by the absences of former City duo Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Kai Havertz was preferred to Eddie Nketiah and Trossard in Jesus’ position.
Read More Football Stories
While new signing Jurrien Timber was given the nod over Kieran Tierney, Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu at left-back.
Arsenal are keen to sign goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford in the coming days.
But with no deal yet agreed, penalty shoot-out hero Aaron Ramsdale will get the nod in goal.
Ben White will likely start at right-back, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-half.
Most read in Football
DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
Timber is expected to keep his spot on the left, with Zinchenko still ruled out by a calf injury.
Declan Rice will make his Premier League debut for Arsenal, likely alongside Thomas Partey in midfield – with Jorginho having been suffering with a muscular injury.
Skipper Martin Odegaard will start as the Gunners’ creator in chief, with Bukayo Saka wide right and Gabriel Martinelli on the left.
Havertz could keep his spot up front, with Jesus to be out until at least next month with a knee issue.
Reiss Nelson could miss out with a toe injury and will be assessed before the weekend.
While Folarin Balogun has a foot injury.
Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira will likely have to make do with a place on the bench.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
