Arsenal's title hopes hang in the balance, and Mikel Arteta faces some tough choices for the upcoming clash against Nottingham Forest. Can he afford to stick with his winning formula, or are fresh legs and tactical tweaks needed to secure another vital three points? With Manchester City breathing down their necks, every decision counts. Let's delve into the potential changes Arteta might be considering.
As of January 16, 2026, Arsenal sits atop the Premier League. But the pressure is immense. With Manchester City playing Manchester United in the early Saturday kick-off, the Gunners will know exactly what's at stake when they take on Nottingham Forest later that evening. A City win puts the heat on; a draw or loss eases the tension, but complacency is the enemy. Arteta understands that consistent victories are paramount, especially with this being their third away game in a week. The physical and mental toll on the players is undeniable.
Wednesday's hard-fought 3-2 victory against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg showcased Arsenal's resilience. However, it also highlighted the need for squad rotation. Arteta might be tempted to shuffle his pack, injecting some freshness into the starting eleven to combat fatigue and maintain peak performance levels. This isn't just about resting players; it's about strategic deployment of resources to maximize their impact against a potentially tricky Nottingham Forest side.
So, let's break down the possible changes Arteta could implement:
1. Raya for Kepa: The Inevitable Return
This one's a no-brainer. David Raya is firmly established as Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper, and he'll undoubtedly reclaim his spot from Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has been deputizing in the cup games. Kepa's role as the designated cup keeper seems secure for now. Raya's Premier League form speaks for itself; he already boasts 10 clean sheets this season, more than any other goalkeeper in the league. He'll be eager to add another clean sheet to his tally on Saturday night. This change represents a return to the established order and reinforces Arsenal's defensive solidity.
2. Lewis-Skelly for White: A Chance for Youth?
Myles Lewis-Skelly appears to have risen in the pecking order at left-back, seemingly behind Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, who started at Chelsea. The young Hale End graduate was an unused substitute against Chelsea, a week after appearing shaky against Liverpool. He did, however, play the full 90 minutes against Portsmouth in the FA Cup.
Arteta might consider giving Lewis-Skelly a starting opportunity against Nottingham Forest, particularly if Ben White requires a rest after starting the previous two matches. A possible scenario: Timber shifts to right-back, his natural position, and Lewis-Skelly slots in at left-back. This would provide valuable experience for the youngster and allow White to recover. But here's where it gets controversial... Is Lewis-Skelly ready for the intensity of a Premier League match against a team fighting for survival? Some might argue that it's too risky, while others see it as a chance to unleash a promising talent.
3. Martinelli for Trossard: Reintroducing the Spark
Gabriel Martinelli might feel a little aggrieved to have started on the bench against Chelsea, especially after his hat-trick heroics against Portsmouth. Leandro Trossard was given the nod instead, despite carrying a slight knock in the lead-up to the game. To maintain freshness and provide a different attacking dimension, Arteta could opt to start Martinelli against Nottingham Forest. And this is the part most people miss... Martinelli has a knack for scoring against them. The 24-year-old has contributed four goals in six appearances against the Forest. His pace, trickery, and direct running could prove to be a major threat to Sean Dyche's side.
4. Havertz/Jesus for Gyokeres: The Striker Dilemma
This is perhaps the most contentious decision Arteta faces. Viktor Gyokeres has been in decent form, scoring his eighth goal of the season against Chelsea. However, Arteta clearly admires Kai Havertz and has hinted at increasing his playing time in the coming weeks. Havertz offers a different skillset upfront, with his aerial ability and link-up play. Gabriel Jesus is also an option, now fully fit. He looked sharp during his second-half cameo against Hull and even won a penalty (although it was later overturned for offside). But here's where the debate truly begins... Does Arteta stick with the in-form Gyokeres, or does he gamble on the potential of Havertz or the proven quality of Jesus? Some fans might argue that you don't change a winning team, while others believe that tactical flexibility is crucial. Ultimately, the choice will depend on Arteta's assessment of Nottingham Forest's weaknesses and how best to exploit them. It's worth noting that Havertz has often been deployed in midfield recently, showcasing his versatility and making this change less likely.
Potential Arsenal XI to take on Nottingham Forest: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Ultimately, Arteta's decisions will be driven by a desire to balance freshness, tactical flexibility, and individual form. The game against Nottingham Forest is a must-win, and every selection will be scrutinized. What do you think of these potential changes? Are there any other players you believe deserve a chance in the starting eleven? Do you agree with the potential inclusion of Lewis-Skelly, given the high stakes? Which striker should lead the line? Let your voice be heard in the comments below!
