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The Gunners are enduring a rare rough patch under Mikel Arteta at the beginning of the 2024/25 season and already find themselves nine points behind table toppers Liverpool. They have failed to win any of their past four Premier League outings and were far from their best in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea prior to the international break.
Having played their last four matches on the road, Arsenal will be relieved to return to the Emirates Stadium this weekend. However, they know a visit from surprise package Nottingham Forest will be far from straightforward.
Forest have defied expectations under Nuno Espirito Santo at the beginning of the campaign, currently sat fifth and level on points with Saturday’s opponents. A defeat to Newcastle United before the international period was only their second in the Premier League this term and their defensive organisation will frustrate an Arsenal side struggling in the final third.
Here is 90min’s guide to an intriguing clash in north London.
Both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice withdrew from the England squad over the November international break but should be available for Arteta this weekend. Arsenal supporters will be desperate to see the duo line up on Saturday.
Ben White underwent surgery on his knee over the international period and will be absent for “months” according to Arteta. Fellow right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu is sidelined and Kieran Tierney is missing with a hamstring problem on the other flank.
Leandro Trossard was a victim of the international break after hobbling off during Belgium’s clash with Israel. He’s certainly a doubt for Forest’s visit.
In better news, Riccardo Calafiori will return to the squad this weekend after missing the last month of action. Whether he’s fit enough to start …
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