Arsenal make five changes for Nottingham Forest clash as Havertz and Saka return

Arsenal travel to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday, needing a win to close the gap at the top. Mikel Arteta has made five changes from the midweek Champions League win over Lille, with Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka recalled to the starting line-up.

  • Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal, Premier League
  • Venue: City Ground
  • Headline selection: Havertz and Saka start; Gyokeres and Timber drop to the bench
  • Changes: Five changes from the side that beat Lille 3-0
  • Standings: Arsenal need a win to close the gap to three points on leaders Manchester City

Confirmed line-ups

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Sels; Diomande, Williams, Murillo, Domínguez; Ndoye, Delap; Schlager, Cunha, McAtee; Muñoz

Substitutes: Victor, Sangaré, Hudson-Odoi, Wood, Kalimuendo, Yates, Netz, Milenković, Aina

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Starting XI: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Guimaraes, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Eze; Havertz

Substitutes: Meslier, Mosquera, Timber, Gyökeres, Madueke, Merino, Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman

Selection notes

Arteta has freshened up his side after the midweek European outing, making five alterations. Ben White returns at right-back in place of Jurrien Timber, who scored against Lille but drops to the bench. Riccardo Calafiori is recalled at left-back, meaning Myles Lewis-Skelly is among the substitutes. Martin Odegaard returns to captain the side after being rested, with Mikel Merino making way. Bukayo Saka is back in the starting eleven after a breather in midweek, replacing Noni Madueke. Kai Havertz is recalled up front, so Viktor Gyökeres is on the bench. Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes keep their places in midfield, while Martin Zubimendi is among the substitutes after recovering from a knock. William Saliba remains sidelined, so Ezri Konsa continues alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence. Eberechi Eze keeps his place on the left wing with Christos Tzolis still nursing an injury.

Injury and availability

William Saliba remains on the sidelines, meaning Ezri Konsa continues in central defence. Christos Tzolis is still nursing an injury and is not available. Martin Zubimendi has recovered from a knock and is named on the bench.

Why Arteta trusts Konsa over Mosquera

With William Saliba still unavailable, Mikel Arteta has again turned to Ezri Konsa alongside Gabriel Magalhaes rather than handing a start to Mosquera, who is on the bench. Konsa's experience and composure in possession make him the safer partner for Gabriel in a hostile away environment, and Arteta clearly values continuity at the back. The decision allows Arsenal to maintain their build-up structure without exposing a less experienced defender to Nottingham Forest's press.

The recall of Kai Havertz up front in place of Viktor Gyökeres signals Arteta's desire for a more fluid attacking approach. Havertz offers link-up play and aerial presence, while Gyökeres provides a more direct threat off the bench. The return of Bukayo Saka is a major boost; his ability to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver quality crosses will be crucial against a Forest side likely to sit deep. Martin Odegaard's return as captain adds creativity and control in the final third, and the midfield trio of Guimaraes, Rice and Odegaard should dominate possession.

Defensively, the return of Ben White at right-back and Riccardo Calafiori at left-back gives Arsenal solidity and attacking width. White's understanding with Saka on the right flank is a proven combination, while Calafiori's overlaps will stretch Forest's defence. The bench looks strong, with the likes of Timber, Gyökeres, Madueke and Zubimendi available to change the game.

Talking points

  • Is dropping Gyökeres for Havertz the right call? Havertz offers link-up play but Gyökeres is a more natural finisher. Arteta may need goals from somewhere.
  • Konsa over Mosquera: does the experience of Konsa outweigh the promise of Mosquera? Saliba's absence is a real test of Arsenal's defensive depth.
  • Saka's return is crucial, but is he fully fit after being rested in midweek? His impact off the bench against Lille was significant.
  • Forest's line-up features Delap up front and a packed midfield. Can Arsenal's midfield trio of Guimaraes, Rice and Odegaard control the game?

What happens next

Arsenal face a crucial Premier League fixture at the City Ground, with a win needed to keep pace with Manchester City at the top. The Gunners then turn their attention to the next Champions League match, where squad rotation will again be key. Three points here are essential to maintain momentum in the title race.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kai Havertz starting for Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest?

Yes, Kai Havertz is recalled to the starting line-up up front, with Viktor Gyökeres dropping to the bench.

Who is in Arsenal's defence against Nottingham Forest?

David Raya starts in goal, with Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori forming the back four.

What time is kick-off for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal?

The source does not state the kick-off time. The match is at the City Ground in the Premier League.

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