Arsenal predicted line-up vs Nottingham Forest: how Mikel Arteta’s bold new XI could look in season opener

Arsenal kick off their new Premier League campaign with a visit from reformed shopaholics Nottingham Forest on Saturday lunchtime. The Gunners will be hoping to make a positive start, and will know that dropped points here, coupled with a win for Manchester City on Friday evening, would all but end their title challenge. (I’m joking, but only a little bit.)

This summer has been characterised by a number of high-profile acquisitions on the part of Mikel Arteta’s men, and supporters will no doubt be keen to see their shiny new play-things in action again this weekend after a solid performance in last Sunday’s Community Shield at Wembley.

They might, however, be less enthused about the prospect of facing Matt Turner. The American goalkeeper left Arsenal for Forest recently, and is likely to start for the opposition. Check out our predicted Arsenal XI below...

Formation

Mickey Tets doesn’t have time for the rigidity of conventional formation, man. He doesn’t care for entrenched positions or stifling tactics. He’s all about fluidity. Likes to keep things loosey-goosey, y’know. His players are expected to be like water - to flow with ease, and to adapt to the context of their surroundings with a calm liquidity.

That being said, Arsenal will probably line-up in a 4-3-3.

Goalkeeper

Aaron Ramsdale remains Arsenal number one... for now. David Raya approaches slowly like the shark from Jaws - who was, of course, called Bruce, and not, in fact, Jaws - and it is only a matter of time before he is unveiled and the battle for a starting role commences.

Is it sustainable to have two legitimately capable first choice stoppers vying for one jersey? History suggests not, but perhaps this will be the exception that proves the rule. Or perhaps it will all end in tears and one of them will be out of the club by this time next year...

Defence

It is no coincidence that Arsenal’s title challenge really began to unravel last season at the same time that William Saliba was absent through injury. The Frenchman has established himself not just as an integral part of this Gunners side, but also as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, full stop.

Thankfully for Arsenal, he is back to full fitness, and should partner Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of defence.

At right-back, Ben White has all but made the position his own in recent times, and played the the entirety of the Community Shield against Manchester City. On the opposite flank, new signing Jurrien Timber should make his first Premier League start; the Dutchman arrived from Ajax over the summer, and has really impressed in pre-season.

Midfield

In midfield, all eyes will be on Declan Rice. At the time of writing, the England international’s move to the Emirates remains the most expensive Premier League deal of the summer, although Liverpool could soon eclipse that fee with a swoop for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.

As for the role that Rice will play, we have already seen suggestions that he will be deployed in a more advanced berth for the Gunners, and he looked particularly effective against Man City at Wembley. The ease with which he regained possession, and indeed, the manner in which he has already adapted to life in north London, will no doubt please Arteta immensely.

Accompanying him in the centre of the park, it is likely to be the more defensively-minded Thomas Partey and the creative spark of Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian in particular could prove crucial this season if Arsenal are to push for another title challenge.

Attack

Bukayo Saka, when fit, is the first name on the Arsenal team sheet. Bukayo Saka is fit. Bukayo Saka, therefore, will play against Nottingham Forest. Nice and simple.

Out on the opposite side, Gabriel Martinelli is likely to get the nod, and will be hoping to continue the development that has already catapulted him to such a position of prominence in this Gunners side.

Through the middle is where things get interesting, though. With Gabriel Jesus out injured, Arteta is likely to operate with something more akin to a false nine. Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz are the two most obvious candidates to fill that role, and the expectation will be that the German gets the nod following his £65 million move from Chelsea earlier in the summer.

Full Predicted XI

Aaron Ramsdale; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber; Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli.