Arsenal kick off their 2023-24 campaign on Saturday, as the Gunners look to go one better than they managed last term and claim a first Premier League title in 20 years. Nottingham Forest will be the first visitors to the Emirates Stadium this term.
Premier League Preview
Arsenal came close to ending their long wait for Premier League glory in 2022-23, but they faded in the final months of the campaign to allow Manchester City to take the title from under their noses. The Gunners will be hoping that they have learned their lessons from last term, and they have strengthened across the field in an attempt to bridge the gap on City.
The arrival of Declan Rice enhances the options available to Mikel Arteta in the middle of the field, while Kai Havertz ensures that there is more quality in the final third. Arsenal will need to juggle the Champions League as well as the Premier League this term, as they marked their return to the premier competition in Europe after a six-year absence with a top-four finish last season.
Nottingham Forest achieved their target for the 2022-23 season, as Steve Cooper was able to steer his side clear of the drop zone. That appeared incredibly unlikely at the half way stage, but they finished the campaign in excellent form to maintain their top-flight status with a game to spare.
In fact, their status in the Premier League was assured following a 1-0 win over Arsenal at the City Ground in early May. It hasn’t been as busy of a summer off the field as 12 months ago, as Forest have added just two first-team signings. Anthony Elanga will offer extra pace in the final third, while Ola Aina adds further depth in the right-back department.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest Head to Head
Forest landed a 1-0 win in the previous meeting between the two sides. However, they are without an away win against the Gunners in the league since March 1989. But, Forest have won three of their previous five matches against the Gunners in all competitions.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
Arsenal will need to put on a show in their opening match of the new season, and they look good value to do that after winning the Community Shield last weekend. Therefore, we could see the Gunners landing victory by at least a two-goal margin.
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