Arsenal have welcomed Bukayo Saka back into their starting lineup for their Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest, with Mikel Arteta making several changes following Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Lille.

According to a report by the London Evening Standard on Sunday, October 18, 2026, Saka returns to the starting XI after beginning the European fixture on the bench. The England international made an immediate impact against Lille, scoring a goal and providing an assist within six minutes of entering the match.

Arteta previously explained that Saka had been dealing with a minor illness, which affected his involvement in the Champions League encounter. His return to the starting lineup will provide Arsenal with an additional attacking threat as they look to secure another positive Premier League result.

Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard have also been restored to the starting XI, giving the Gunners further attacking options. Riccardo Calafiori returns to the lineup after being rested against Lille, while Bruno Guimaraes partners Declan Rice in midfield.

Eberechi Eze has also been handed a starting opportunity on the left flank, offering Arsenal another creative option as they prepare to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Arteta will be hoping the changes help his side maintain their momentum following their impressive European performance. With Saka, Odegaard and Havertz all starting, Arsenal will look to combine creativity and attacking quality to challenge Forest.

Arsenal starting XI: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Guimaraes; Saka, Odegaard, Eze; Havertz.

Substitutes: Meslier, Mosquera, Timber, Gyokeres, Madueke, Merino, Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly and Dowman.