Eberechi Eze starts, William Saliba out: Arsenal predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
Mikel Arteta is set to change his lineup as Arsenal return to Premier League action to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Arteta has a point to prove following the international break, as Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool last time out.
The Gunners began their Premier League campaign with consecutive wins over Manchester United and Leeds United, but they now risk losing ground on title rivals.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s clash on 13 September could be a tasty affair after Nottingham Forest appointed former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.
Eberechi Eze set to start as Arsenal take on Nottingham Forest
Arteta’s attacking options have been limited by the fact that Bukayo Saka has suffered an injury, which meant he was absent from England duty.
Saka’s setback should mean that fellow Three Lions winger Noni Madueke continues to enjoy game time on the right.
Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard should start in the attacking midfield role to help ensure that Arsenal have more creativity than they did against Liverpool.
Arteta’s defensive options have also been hindered by injury setbacks, but new signing Cristhian Mosquera should relish the opportunity of starting in William Saliba’s absence.
Meanwhile, fellow summer addition Eberechi Eze can come in to replace Gabriel Martinelli and give the Gunners more firepower.
Mikel Arteta needs a win over Nottingham Forest
Having suffered a defeat to Liverpool in their last Premier League game, enduring two consecutive losses would already be very damaging to Arsenal’s title credentials.
| Arsenal fixtures | Premier League 2025/26 |
| 13/09 | Nottingham Forest (H) |
| 21/09 | Manchester City (H) |
| 28/09 | Newcastle United (A) |
After enjoying a highly successful summer transfer window, the defending champions are the only top-flight side with a 100 per cent winning record.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will fancy their chances of earning a fourth straight win when they face newly promoted Burnley on Sunday, 14 September.
Therefore, title challengers such as Arsenal and Chelsea must earn wins this weekend to avoid losing any further ground on the Reds.
Furthermore, the fact that former Spurs boss Postecoglou will be in the opposition dugout on 13 September would make any Gunners slip-up an even tougher pill for Arteta to swallow.
After their encounter with Forest, Arsenal end the month by beginning their Champions League campaign with a tie against Spanish side Athletic Club, before tough Premier League fixtures against Manchester City and Newcastle United.