London, UK – January 17, 2026 – Arsenal fans are buzzing as the team sheet drops for their upcoming Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Manager Mikel Arteta has opted for a strategic rotation, introducing several key changes to the lineup that recently secured a hard-fought victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
Key Changes Signal Intent for Forest Test
The most notable inclusions see Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli returning to the starting lineup, injecting pace and creativity into the attack. This marks a significant shift from the midweek cup tie, signaling Arteta’s desire to maintain high intensity against a tough Forest side known for their defensive resilience at home.
Goalkeeper Rotation and Defensive Solidity
In goal, David Raya returns between the sticks, taking over from Kepa Arrizabalaga, who drops back to the bench. Raya, who missed the last two fixtures in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, is back to anchor the defense. The backline appears solid with the usual suspects: White, Saliba, and Gabriel forming the core, supported by Jurrien Timber.
The midfield sees Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice retaining their central roles, complemented by Martin Zubimendi. The forward line is bolstered by the returning wingers, Madueke and Martinelli, flanking Viktor Gyokeres up front. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard, both instrumental in recent games, are surprisingly rested on the bench, suggesting Arteta is managing minutes ahead of a busy schedule.
Nottingham Forest’s Calculated Approach
Across the pitch, Nottingham Forest, under their own management, have also made calculated adjustments following their recent FA Cup exit to Wrexham. Their starting XI for this Premier League fixture closely mirrors the team that secured a positive result against West Ham United in their last league outing.
The main change for Forest sees Ibrahim Sangare slotting into the midfield, replacing former Arsenal academy player Omari Hutchinson, who moves to the bench. The attack will likely feature the pace of Callum Hudson-Odoi and the creativity of Morgan Gibbs-White supporting Taiwo Awoniyi up front. Notably, Oleksandr Zinchenko, currently on loan from Arsenal, is ineligible to face his parent club, opening up a spot in their defensive structure.
Tactical Outlook: A Battle of Control vs. Counter
The match promises to be a fascinating tactical battle. Arsenal will look to dominate possession, utilizing the flair of Madueke and Martinelli on the flanks to stretch the Forest defense. The presence of Rice and Zubimendi in midfield suggests a focus on controlling the tempo and quickly recycling possession to create high-quality chances.
Conversely, Forest will likely rely on their structured defense and look to exploit counter-attacking opportunities, particularly through the speed of Hudson-Odoi and the direct running of Gibbs-White. The midfield battle, featuring Sangare against Rice, will be crucial in determining which team dictates the flow of the game.
The Importance of Premier League Points
As the season progresses, every Premier League fixture carries immense weight, especially for teams vying for European places. For Arsenal, securing three points at the City Ground is essential to keep pace with the league leaders. A win here would solidify their top-four credentials and build momentum for their upcoming Champions League fixtures.
For Nottingham Forest, this match represents a significant opportunity to distance themselves from the lower reaches of the table and prove their mettle against one of the league's top sides. Their home form has often been their strength, and they will be eager to capitalize on any rustiness from Arsenal’s rotated squad.
Fans worldwide will be eagerly watching to see if Arteta’s rotation pays off, or if the changes disrupt the rhythm that has seen Arsenal perform strongly in recent weeks. The City Ground atmosphere is set to be electric for what promises to be an engaging contest.
