Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Nottingham Forest: Projected XI, team news

Premier League champion Arsenal continues its title defense with a trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Oct. 18. Mikel Arteta’s side is relatively healthy and could receive a huge boost soon with one of the best center backs in the world nearing a return to action.

William Saliba’s season-long absence won’t be ending just yet and he’s joined on the sidelines by Christos Tzolis and Piero Hincapie, with Martin Zubimendi also a doubt.

The Gunners have lost just once this season and will enter Sunday’s game in second place. There’s only a few health issues within the Arsenal squad as they take on a side with just one win all season.

Here is how Arsenal could line up against Nottingham Forest:

Daichi Kamada of Crystal Palace scores his team’s first goal past Matz Sels of Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park on Oct. 11, 2026 in London, England. Crystal Palace won the match, 3-1.

(Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)

Jaouen Hadjam of Brighton & Hove Albion scores his team’s second goal against Sunderland at Stadium of Light on Oct. 10, 2026 in Sunderland, England. Brighton & Hove Albion won the match, 2-0.

(Stu Forster, Getty Images)

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal clashes with James Trafford of Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on Oct.10, 2026 in London, England. Arsenal won the match, 2-1.

(Alex Pantling, Getty Images)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United scores his team’s second goal of a 4-1 win over Newcastle United at Elland Road on Sept. 14, 2026 in Leeds, England.

(Stu Forster, Getty Images)

Joao Pedro of Chelsea is challenged by Gabriel of Arsenal during the match at Emirates Stadium on Sept. 6, 2026 in London, England. Arsenal won the match, 2-1.

(Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring against Ipswich on Aug. 30, 2026. Manchester United won the match, 5-2.

(Jon Super, REUTERS)

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez celebrates his team scoring against Brighton on Aug. 30, 2026. Chelsea won the match, 4-3.

(John Sibley, Action Images via Reuters)

Sunderland fans celebrate a goal against Fulham on Aug. 30, 2026. Sunderland won the match, 1-0.

(Lee Smith, Action Images via Reuters)

Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka celebrates after a 1-0 win against Fulham on Aug. 30, 2026.

(Scott Heppell, REUTERS)

Yoane Wissa of Newcastle United celebrates scoring a goal against Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Aug. 29, 2026 in London, England. Newcastle won the match, 2-0.

(Richard Heathcote, Getty Images)

Hull City’s Liam Millar celebrates scoring a goal against Coventry City at the Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry on Aug. 29, 2026. Hull City won the match, 1-0.

(DARREN STAPLES, AFP via Getty Images)

Erling Haaland of Manchester City scores his team’s first goal against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Aug. 28, 2026 in London, England. Man City won the match, 4-1.

(Mike Hewitt, Getty Images)

Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo (left) jumps for the ball against Newcastle United at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on Aug. 23, 2026. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.

(PAUL ELLIS, AFP via Getty Images)

Erling Haaland of Manchester City runs with the ball during the match against AFC Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium on Aug. 23, 2026 in Manchester, England. Man City won the match, 2-1.

(Michael Steele, Getty Images)

Thierno Barry of Everton scores his team’s second goal while under pressure from Chris Richards of Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Aug. 22, 2026 in Liverpool. Everton won the match, 2-0.

(Naomi Baker, Getty Images)

Hull City’s Mohamed Belloumi (left) chases the ball during the Premier League match against Manchester United at the MKM Stadium in Kingston upon Hull, eastern England on Aug. 22, 2026. Hull City won the match, 2-0.

(PAUL ELLIS, AFP via Getty Images)

Loum Tchaouna of Coventry City is challenged in the air by Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Aug. 21, 2026 in London, England. Arsenal won the match, 3-0.

(Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)

A pyrotechnics display takes place before the 2026-27 Premier League season-opening match between Arsenal and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on Aug. 21, 2026 in London, England.

(Julian Finney, Getty Images)

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Nottingham Forest

Defense: Timber, Gabriel, Konsa, Calafiori
Midfield: Rice, Guimarães
Attacking midfield: Eze, Ødegaard, Saka

Even with two world-class defenders unavailable, Arteta has plenty of options to choose from at the back. Lewis-Skelly and Ben White are also in contention at the full-back spots but the Spaniard goes with stability over mobility at those spots.

Kai Havertz is the safe choice up top with Viktor Gyökeres still struggling to find his top form. Martin Zubimendi faces a late fitness test, but it doesn’t make much sense to push him.

Arsenal team news vs. Nottingham Forest

Out: Saliba, Tzolis, Hincapie

Will William Saliba play vs. Nottingham Forest?

The French defender has not seen the field since suffering a major back injury at the World Cup. While he won’t make it back in time to face Forest, he seems to be on track with his rehab, according to Arteta. “I think next week we have another MRI with him to see how the healing process is at the moment, but every sign so far has been very, very positive,” the Arsenal boss said on Friday. “It will be great to have him.”

Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal time, TV

Location: City Ground (Nottinghamshire, England)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Nottingham Forest: Projected XI, team news

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