Arsenal return to Premier League action this afternoon against Nottingham Forest, with Ange Postecoglou back in north London. The clash will test the Gunners’ resilience amid ongoing injury concerns, as fans look forward to seeing their side push for a return to winning ways.
After sacking Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest moved quickly to bring in the former Tottenham boss whose first game in charge will be at the Emirates this afternoon.
Thus, we don’t know exactly what to expect from the visitors at the Emirates, with new manager Postecoglou searching for his first victory over Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners are still without Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz in attack, while William Saliba is also set to miss out this from the encounter due to an ankle injury.
Cristhian Mosquera will fill in for the Frenchman alongside Gabriel, and there could be a first Arsenal start for Eberechi Eze down the left flank. He’ll function opposite Noni Madueke and flank another summer addition, Viktor Gyökeres.
Arsenal Confirmed XI: Raya, Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori, Merino, Zubimendi, Odegaard, Madueke, Eze, Gyokeres.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, White, Lewis-Skelly, Hincapie, Rice, Nwaneri, Dowman, Martinelli, Trossard.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🧱 Mosquera partners Gabriel
🔙 Odegaard returns
🏡 Eze makes home bow
Let's return to winning ways, Gunners 👊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 13, 2025Postecoglou has already been dealt a significant injury blow at the start of his tenure, as it’s been confirmed that right-back Ola Aina will undergo hamstring surgery to fix an issue he sustained on international duty.
Aina’s injury means summer arrival Nicolò Savano could enjoy a sustained run in the team, having joined the club from Juventus in the summer.
Nicolás Dominguez was added to Forest’s Europa League squad by Nuno before his departure, but the tenacious midfielder isn’t expected to be back in action until later in the autumn. While Oleksandr Zinchenko is ineligible to face his parent club.
Nottingham Forest confirmed XI: Sels, Williams, Milenković, Murillo, Morato, Anderson, Sangaré, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Ndoye, Wood.
Substitutes: Victor; Douglas Luiz, Kalimuendo, Hutchinson, Yates, McAtee, Bakwa, Boly, Savona.
Our starting XI to face Arsenal! 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/YEsmy2RqJX
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 13, 2025Forest arrive at the Emirates seeking to frustrate Arsenal and take advantage of the home side’s fitness worries. Their physical approach and ability to counter could cause problems if Arsenal fail to break them down early. For Arteta, ensuring rhythm and sharpness from the opening whistle will be essential.
With Arsenal eager to keep pace in the Premier League, this match represents more than a routine fixture. It is a chance to integrate new signings further, manage injuries carefully and show that the depth of the squad is capable of sustaining the demands of the season.
