In the world of football, the anticipation surrounding Arsenal FC's lineup for their upcoming match against Nottingham Forest is palpable. Fans are eager to know which players will take the field and how injuries might affect the team’s performance.
Recently, the manager was questioned about the potential return of several injured players, specifically the quartet of Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, and Max Dowman. His response was somewhat optimistic yet cautious: "There might be a chance, so I need to discuss this with the medical staff now," Arteta noted. He added that a training session was set for Friday, which would help determine if any of the injured players could make it back in time for Saturday's game.
However, Arteta chose not to reveal specific names or details regarding who might be fit to play on Saturday, adding an air of mystery and excitement to the team's preparations.
When it comes to the tactical setup for the match, Arteta has some intriguing options at his disposal. He could opt for Jurrien Timber to take the right-back position, or alternatively, he might deploy him on the left side, allowing Ben White to fill the right-back role instead. This flexibility in player positioning will be crucial as Arsenal seeks to outmaneuver their opponents.
As for the predicted lineup, a 4-3-3 formation seems likely: Raya in goal; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, and Lewis-Skelly forming the defense; followed by Zubimendi, Rice, and Odegaard orchestrating the midfield; and a forward line consisting of Saka, Gyokeres, and Trossard.
Currently, there remains uncertainty concerning the availability of Hincapie, Calafiori, Mosquera, and Dowman, which adds to the intrigue as fans speculate about the team’s final composition.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:30 PM GMT on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the iconic City Ground in Nottingham. For those unable to attend, it will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.
