Arsenal have handed Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and captain Martin Ødegaard starting roles for their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, with Mikel Arteta making five changes to his team for Sunday’s match at the City Ground.
The three key players return to the starting lineup as the Gunners look to build on their midweek victory over Lille and continue their Premier League campaign with a strong performance away from home.
Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori are the other two players recalled to the starting XI after missing out from the beginning of Arsenal’s 3-0 home win over Lille. Their inclusion gives Arteta additional options in defence as Arsenal prepare for a demanding test against Nottingham Forest.
One of the biggest talking points is the decision to retain Eberechi Eze, who is set to make his first Premier League start of the season. The attacking midfielder gets an opportunity to demonstrate his quality from the opening whistle alongside some of Arsenal’s most influential attacking players.
Arsenal Confirmed Starting XI vs Nottingham Forest
Arsenal will line up with David Raya in goal, while Ben White, Gabriel, Ezri Konsa and Riccardo Calafiori form the defensive unit.
Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes provide the midfield foundation, with Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze offering creativity and attacking support. Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz complete the starting lineup as Arsenal seek to threaten Nottingham Forest’s defence.
Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Gabriel, Konsa, Calafiori, Rice, Guimaraes, Ødegaard, Eze, Saka, Havertz.
Arsenal substitutes: Meslier, Timber, Lewis-Skelly, Mosquera, Zubimendi, Merino, Madueke, Dowman, Gyökeres.
The return of Saka, Havertz and Ødegaard is particularly significant because of their ability to influence Arsenal’s attacking play. Saka offers direct running and creativity from wide areas, Ødegaard brings vision and passing quality in midfield, while Havertz provides movement and an attacking presence in the final third.
Their selection gives Arteta an opportunity to field a more familiar attacking combination as Arsenal pursue an important away result.
