Nottingham Forest v Arsenal: Calafiori, Ødegaard, Saka and Havertz set for returns

Published on: 17 October 2026

Nottingham Forest host Arsenal on Sunday in the seventh round of the Premier League, with the home side seeking points to move clear of the relegation zone and the Gunners aiming to challenge for top spot.

Forest go into the match with several fitness concerns. Savona and Milenkovic are doubts, while striker Igor Jesus is also unavailable because of injury.

Liam Delap is expected to continue as the central striker, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Dan Ndoye providing support. Ndoye scored against Crystal Palace and could retain his place in the attacking line.

Matz Sels is expected to start in goal. The likely Nottingham Forest line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Matz Sels

Defenders: Ola Aina, Ousmane Diomande, Murillo

Midfielders: Daniel Munoz, Xaver Schlager, James McAtee, Neco Williams

Forwards: Morgan Gibbs-White, Dan Ndoye, Liam Delap

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to name a side close to his strongest XI after rotating his squad during the week.

William Saliba, Piero Hincapie, Martin Zubimendi and Tzolis are ruled out. Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz are all expected to return to the starting line-up.

Jurrien Timber could keep his place after an impressive performance, although the expected team includes Calafiori at left-back. Gabriel is set to remain a key figure in central defence.

The likely Arsenal line-up is:

Goalkeeper: David Raya

Defenders: Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard

Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Kai Havertz

The fixture will be Nottingham Forest’s seventh Premier League match of the season. Arsenal arrive as the more highly fancied side, with the published odds listing a Nottingham Forest win at 5.80, a draw at 3.90 and an Arsenal victory at 1.61.

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