Last season’s Premier League runners-up Arsenal begin the new campaign with a clash against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.
The Gunners have been busy adding to their squad this summer in a bid to close the gap on champions Manchester City, but Forest did manage to beat Mikel Arteta's men at the City Ground at the end of last season and Steve Cooper’s side will be hoping to achieve another positive result.
- Arsenal to win & over 3.5 goals
- Kai Havertz to score first
- Arsenal to win both halves
Gunners For A Dominant Win
Arsenal’s title push fell away in the closing weeks of last season, but that shouldn't detract from what was an extremely positive campaign for the Gunners.
Arteta’s side lost just two of their 19 top-flight matches at the Emirates last season - one of which came against champions City - and they should have few problems getting off the mark at the first time of asking.
Arsenal scored 53 home league goals in 2022-23 and ten of their last 12 matches in north London produced at least three strikes.
Arteta has beefed up his attack with the addition of Kai Havertz from Chelsea, and allied to attacking jewels Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, the Gunners should have few problems finding the back of the net this season.
No Premier League side conceded more goals on the road than Forest’s 44 last term so backing an Arsenal victory and over 3.5 goals look a wise opening-day wager.
ARSENAL TO WIN AND OVER 3.5 GOALS
Havertz Can Strike First
Havertz didn’t enjoy the best of seasons at Chelsea in 2022-23, but few players stood out for the Blues last term and the German remains a player with huge potential.
The 24-year-old could feature as the focal point of the Gunners' attack against Forest after Jesus picked up an injury in preseason.
Havertz still scored seven top-flight goals in a struggling Chelsea side last term and he looks good value to open the scoring at the Emirates.
Arteta backing new signings to shine
Arsenal To Dominate Both Halves
Arsenal have made some eye-catching summer signings with Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber added to an already strong and progressive squad, and the Gunners look like title challengers once again this term.
Forest’s target will be to again avoid relegation and in Cooper they boast a talented and progressive coach who will do his utmost to keep his side in the top flight.
The former Swansea gaffer doesn’t often take a backwards step but the Tricky Trees’ attacking approach could play into Arsenal’s hands on Saturday.
Backing the Gunners to win both halves looks a decent proposition.
