Arsenal’s Team News for Premier League Opener: Nketiah Leads the Line, Gabriel Drops to Bench

Arsenal have named Eddie Nketiah as their starting striker for the Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest today, with Gabriel making a surprising drop to the bench. Nketiah, who started on the bench in the Community Shield, takes his place in the first XI at the Emirates, while Kai Havertz moves into midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.

Thomas Partey looks set to start at right-back, with Ben White shifting into the centre of defence to replace Gabriel. Arsenal’s summer signing David Raya is not included in the squad, as the deal to complete his transfer from Brentford did not meet the necessary paperwork deadline ahead of the game.

Injuries have also impacted Arsenal’s selection. Oleksandr Zinchenko remains sidelined with a calf injury, missing out again after not featuring in pre-season. Meanwhile, Jorginho, who had been recovering from a muscle issue, is named on the bench.

Arsenal Starting XI: Ramsdale; Partey, Saliba, White, Timber; Rice, Ødegaard, Havertz; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli

Substitutes: Hein, Gabriel, Kiwior, Tomiyasu, Smith Rowe, Vieira, Jorginho, Nelson, Trossard

Match Time & Date: 12:30 pm BST, Saturday August 12, 2023
Venue: Emirates Stadium