Arsenal team news: Five changes expected at Forest as Timber misses out

Arsenal head to the City Ground with something to prove. With a tricky set of results and a major European night looming, Mikel Arteta is expected to make changes.

The Gunners visit Nottingham Forest on Sunday (4.30pm). And they’re looking to record a third consecutive victory following Tuesday’s 3-0 Champions League win at Lille.

A ground that has bitten Arsenal before

Arteta has just one league win in five games against Forest, which came in January 2024. Both of his last two visits to the City Ground ended in goalless draws.

However, the manager is confident after his side’s five-goal haul in the victories over Leeds and Lille. He will be looking to continue their fine form.

The Gunners host Bayern Munich in their next game, but Arteta was happy to focus on Sunday’s opponents. The Spaniard claimed the visit to the City Ground was a ‘beautiful challenge’ and insisted his men must be ready.

Five changes likely in defence and midfield

David Raya should start in goal after keeping a clean sheet against Lille.

At right-back, Ben White is set to deputise for Jurrien Timber. That might be cruel on the man who scored the opener on Tuesday and was so outstanding in defence. Arsenal need to manage his fitness after a long-term injury. White, meanwhile, will come into the game fresh having replaced him at the break last time around.

Ezri Konsa, alongside the new signing Gabriel Magalhaes, makes up the back three, with Riccardo Calafiori switching back to his preferred position of left-back.

In midfield, Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes are set to be the starting pair ahead of their Premier League clash with Leeds United, which leaves Myles Lewis-Skelly on the bench. The Brazilian was troubled at Brighton before the international break but has been outstanding since the games, scoring the winner against Leeds.

Elsewhere, Martin Zubimendi could return for Arsenal, which will be a great boost for them.

Tough calls in attack

While Bukayo Saka is an ever-present on the right, he scored and created a goal for the Gunners from the bench last time out against Lille.

Martin Odegaard is also in good shape. He rested on Tuesday and only came on at half-time.

The left-hand side is more of a conundrum. Eberechi Eze scored in the 4-0 win over Lille and has shown improvement, but Noni Madueke should continue on the left after contributing in each of the last two games.

Up front, it is a simple decision. Kai Havertz is set to come in for Viktor Gyokeres, who had a nightmare evening against Lille, touching the ball just 13 times.

The bench will be crucial for Arsenal, with Lewis-Skelly, Eze, Gyokeres and Max Dowman all likely to play a part, particularly with Bayern Munich looming.

Possible XI: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Guimaraes; Saka, Odegaard, Madueke; Havertz.