Arsenal Predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest: Saka, Odegaard and Havertz Return in Four Changes

Arsenal travel to The City Ground to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday at 16:30 local time. Mikel Arteta is expected to recall Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Riccardo Calafiori as the Gunners seek a third successive win in all competitions.

  • Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal, Premier League matchday seven
  • Kick-off: Saturday 17 October 2026, 16:30 local time
  • Venue: The City Ground
  • Key returns: Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Riccardo Calafiori are all expected to start
  • At stake: Victory would give Arsenal a third consecutive win in all competitions and keep them hot on Manchester City's heels in the title race

Predicted line-ups

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Starting XI: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori; Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke

Substitutes: Not specified in source

Selection notes

Jurrien Timber is on the cusp of his 100th Arsenal appearance and could retain his place at right-back ahead of Ben White. Riccardo Calafiori is expected to return at left-back, with Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes completing the back four.

In midfield, Declan Rice is in contention to start, while Myles Lewis-Skelly — who played at left-back in the Champions League midweek — is likely to step into the engine room. Bruno Guimaraes could miss out. Martin Odegaard is expected to be the attacking midfielder after being on the bench in the win over Lille.

Bukayo Saka could join his captain in returning to the starting XI on the right flank, with Noni Madueke shifting to the left given Christos Tzolis' anticipated absence. Up front, Kai Havertz is expected to take the number nine role, with Viktor Gyokeres — who failed to make an impact against Lille — possibly dropping to the bench.

Injury and availability

Christos Tzolis is anticipated to be absent, which could see Noni Madueke shift to the left flank. No other injuries or suspensions are mentioned in the source.

Why Arteta is turning to his returning stars

After a mixed run, Mikel Arteta is expected to recall his most creative talents for a tricky away trip. The return of Martin Odegaard gives Arsenal a conductor in the final third, while Bukayo Saka's directness on the right will stretch a Forest defence that has struggled for goals. Kai Havertz replacing Viktor Gyokeres as the central striker suggests Arteta wants more link-up play and pressing from the front.

In midfield, Declan Rice's presence alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly offers a blend of experience and youthful energy. The young Englishman's versatility — having played left-back in Europe midweek — allows Arteta to adjust without weakening the engine room. Bruno Guimaraes missing out is a notable call, but the balance of Rice's defensive cover and Odegaard's creativity should give Arsenal control.

At the back, Jurrien Timber's impending 100th appearance is a testament to his reliability, and his retention ahead of Ben White shows Arteta values his defensive solidity. Riccardo Calafiori's return at left-back adds attacking thrust, while Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes form a physically imposing centre-back pairing. This is a line-up designed to dominate possession and break down a Forest side that will likely sit deep.

Talking points

  • Should Kai Havertz start ahead of Viktor Gyokeres? Havertz offers link play, but Gyokeres is a more natural finisher — Arteta's choice could define Arsenal's attacking fluency.
  • Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield is a bold call. The teenager's energy is valuable, but can he provide the defensive discipline needed alongside Declan Rice?
  • Jurrien Timber reaching 100 appearances shows his importance, but is he a better right-back option than Ben White for this specific match-up?
  • With Christos Tzolis absent, Noni Madueke shifting to the left is a pragmatic solution — but does it reduce Arsenal's width on the right?

What happens next

Arsenal face Nottingham Forest at The City Ground on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at 16:30 local time. A win would keep them within touching distance of Manchester City and mark a third straight victory in all competitions. Anything less would raise questions about their title credentials.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bukayo Saka starting for Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest?

Yes, Bukayo Saka is expected to return to the starting XI and could be deployed on the right flank.

Who is Arsenal's predicted striker against Nottingham Forest?

Kai Havertz is expected to start as the number nine, with Viktor Gyokeres potentially dropping to the bench.

Is Riccardo Calafiori playing for Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest?

Yes, Riccardo Calafiori could come back into the team to feature at left-back.

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