Arteta hints at Forest line up changes with Timber and Gyokeres dropping out

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Mikel Arteta is wary of a tricky trip to the City Ground this weekend, with Arsenal's manager admitting Nottingham Forest present a stern test as the Gunners look to make it three wins on the bounce following Tuesday's Champions League victory over Lille.

Arteta's record at Forest makes for sobering reading. Under the Spaniard, Arsenal have won just once in five visits there, a victory back in January 2024, with the last two trips both ending goalless. That history appears to be weighing on his mind, even with a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich looming the following week.

"Yeah, I think the beautiful challenge is going to be against Forest away and we need to make sure we are ready for that one," Arteta said when asked about the Bayern fixture, making clear he is not looking past Oliver Glasner's side.

Changes expected across the pitch

Arsenal head into the weekend full of confidence after putting five goals past Leeds and Lille combined in their last two outings, and Martin Zubimendi is in contention to return and add to Arteta's options in midfield.

David Raya is set to continue in goal having kept a clean sheet against Lille. In defence, Ben White looks likely to start at right back ahead of Jurrien Timber, despite the Dutchman scoring the opener in midweek. With Timber only recently back from a long injury lay off, Arsenal appear keen to manage his minutes carefully, and White will come into the side fresh having been used from the bench against Lille.

Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes are expected to continue at centre back, while Riccardo Calafiori returns at left back. In midfield, Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes look set to start together again, meaning Myles Lewis-Skelly may have to make do with a place among the substitutes. Guimaraes struggled in the win at Brighton before the international break but has since scored the winner against Leeds and impressed again versus Lille.

Attacking reshuffle up front

Bukayo Saka is certain to start on the right after coming off the bench to score and assist against Lille, while Martin Odegaard should also return having been rested in midweek. On the left, Noni Madueke appears set to be preferred to Eberechi Eze, who scored against Lille and has shown signs of improvement, but Madueke has built up credit with strong performances in his last two appearances.

Up top, Kai Havertz looks poised to come back into the side in place of Viktor Gyokeres, who had a difficult evening against Lille, managing just 13 touches of the ball all match.

With the trip to Bayern Munich on the horizon, Arteta is likely to lean on his bench again, with Lewis-Skelly, Eze, Gyokeres and Max Dowman all potential options to make an impact from the sidelines, as reported by football.london.

Arsenal will be looking to end their poor recent record at the City Ground and keep momentum building ahead of a demanding week in Europe.