Arsenal are set to begin their Premier League campaign at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, as Mikel Arteta aims to gear his side up for another title challenge.

The Gunners defied expectations last season as they led the way at the top of the Premier League, but fell just short at the end as Manchester City clinched their third title in a row.

However, the signings of Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, with David Raya set to follow, have given fans extra belief that they can challenge at the top of the table again.

The clash against Forest, which will kick off at 12.30 UK time, will see Arsenal line up fresh from their Community Shield triumph against the Champions, and it is likely that Arteta picks a similar team to the one which was so impressive at Wembley.

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Who will start vs Forest?

Aaron Ramsdale will continue in goal despite the imminent arrival of Raya from Brentford, and the Englishman looked back to his best against City.

The same back four could be used, with standard picks Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes lining up alongside new signing Timber at left-back. Oleksandr Zinchenko may still be sidelined with injury, and Timber was fantastic at Wembley, making his first competitive start since his £34m move from Ajax.

Manchester City v Arsenal - The FA Community Shield
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In midfield, the trio of Thomas Partey, Rice and captain Martin Odegaard appears to be the main selection as things stand. Whilst the likes of Emile Smith Rowe will be pushing for a start, the three have a near-perfect combination of defensive strength and creativity, and Rice will be making his Premier League debut for the club following his £105m move from West Ham.

Upfront, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli look set to keep their places, despite the impressive displays from Leandro Trossard in pre-season. The biggest selection headache remains up front. Havertz started in the absence of Gabriel Jesus at Wembley, but Eddie Nketiah and Trossard were both impressive off the bench, and there is a strong case to be made for any of them lining up through the middle.

It seems likely that Arteta will stick with Havertz upfront, much to the frustration of Nketiah and Trossard, and he will hope that his side find fluidity in attack to score past Matt Turner, who joined Forest this week from Arsenal.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Nottingham Forest: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Odegaard, Rice; Saka Havertz Martinelli (4-3-3).

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