---
title: "Forest v Arsenal Preview: Saka, Odegaard and Havertz Poised to Return as Champions Eye the Leaders"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2026/10/17/nottingham-forest-vs-arsenal-preview-team-news-predicted-xi-prediction/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lucie Turner"
section: "Arsenal Match Previews"
published: "2026-10-17T17:15:00Z"
modified: "2026-10-17T17:15:00Z"
---

# Forest v Arsenal Preview: Saka, Odegaard and Havertz Poised to Return as Champions Eye the Leaders

### **Premier League | City Ground | Sunday 18 October, 4.30pm BST | Sky Sports**

Mikel Arteta has had a busy week with injury problems. A draw in the Champions League against Bayern Munich and a league title to defend. He wants his main attacking players to be fit for the clash with Nottingham Forest.

## **Champions chasing City**

Arsenal are second in the table with 15 points from six games, three behind leaders Manchester City. They have lost once in the league, 3-0 at Brighton before the international break. Since then they have beaten Leeds 2-1 at home and Lille 3-0 in the Champions League. They have won both games so far and have now taken 14 straight league-phase victories.

Against Lille, Arteta started without the trio of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz. All came on in the second half. It took minutes for Saka to make his mark, and he provided the assist for Eberechi Eze’s second before finding the net himself.

Arteta felt the cohesion in the squad was growing, which is why they could continue to create even when they were struggling in the first half.

## **Where Arteta must choose**

The Evening Standard expects Saka, who has recovered from an illness, to start at the City Ground, alongside the returning Odegaard and Havertz. Its predicted XI of Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Guimaraes; Saka, Odegaard, Eze; Havertz suggests some decisions are to be made:

- **Right-back**: A choice between Ben White and Jurrien Timber, with the latter likely to earn just his 14th appearance of the season after playing 67 minutes against Lille and scoring his first goal for the club – voted man of the match by Flashscore.
- **Striker:** Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino did little to boost their claims in midweek, and Havertz looks the favourite to lead the line.
- **Left side:** With Christos Tzolis out for a few weeks, Noni Madueke offers a threat when used from the left.

Arteta hopes Martin Zubimendi will be fit after an ankle problem, though he must pass a late assessment. Piero Hincapie, who was hurt in the same post-match training session, will miss out. William Saliba is back in individual training after the World Cup injury and hopes to return in November, but he is still some way off.

## **Forest searching for stability**

Forest are 15th with five points from six games. They did record a notable win at Aston Villa, their first at Villa Park in 32 years and Oliver Glasner’s first as manager. However, they lost 1-0 at home to newly promoted Coventry before the break. Their forwards, including Igor Jesus and Liam Delap, will have chances if Arsenal’s rotation causes problems.

History favours the visitors. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six meetings (four wins, two draws). The most recent visit to the City Ground in January ended 0-0.

## **The verdict**

A Bayern trip awaits on Wednesday, but a weakened Arsenal would surprise us. Saka’s form suggests Arteta wants his best players involved. Forest will be tough at home, but Arsenal’s depth should tell.

### **Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal**