Thomas Partey decision made as £50m man drops out: Arsenal’s expected starting team for the upcoming game against Nottingham Forest…

Arsenal’s lineup is set to undergo changes as they prepare to face Nottingham Forest this Saturday afternoon in the Premier League.

The decision concerning Thomas Partey has been made with the £50 million player out of contention: Arsenal’s likely starting XI for the fixture against Nottingham Forest.

Following the international break, Mikel Arteta’s team aims to regain momentum in their title pursuit, looking to close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City.

Despite not securing a league victory since early October, Arsenal has managed to earn respectable draws against both Liverpool and Chelsea.

Nottingham Forest, who have had a strong start to the season, will present a formidable challenge, although they recently suffered a 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United.

TBR Football examines the potential starting XI that Arteta may field for the 3pm match against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

In terms of team news, the notable update for Arsenal is the return of Riccardo Calafiori from injury, with Arteta confirming that he will be included in the squad.

Additionally, Arteta mentioned that Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice participated in their first partial training session on Friday, while Leandro Trossard appears to be fit.

Unfortunately, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu are not expected to feature, and £50 million defender Ben White will be sidelined for several months.

For Nottingham Forest, only Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare are confirmed absentees, with Danilo recovering from an ankle injury and Sangare dealing with a thigh problem.

Riccardo Calafiori is anticipated to make his return to the starting XI, with Mikel Merino stepping in for Thomas Partey.

Calafiori’s return from injury represents a significant advantage for Arteta, who is expected to reinstate him in the starting lineup this afternoon.

With White anticipated to be sidelined until the new year, the Arsenal manager will likely shift Jurrien Timber to the right flank and position Calafiori on the left.

No alterations are expected in goal or at center-back, as Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba are set to protect David Raya.

Arteta may implement two changes from the Chelsea match, with the second adjustment likely occurring in midfield.

With both Mikel Odegaard and Mikel Merino now available, Arteta might opt to include them ahead of Declan Rice for a more balanced formation.

In the attacking front, Kai Havertz is expected to spearhead the attack, flanked by Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka once again.

Arsenal’s predicted lineup against Nottingham Forest (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Odegaard, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.