Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Nottingham Forest - Premier League

Arsenal's four-game winless slide in the Premier League simply must come to an end on Saturday when they face Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.

This fixture has never appeared so daunting for Mikel Arteta's side, with Nuno Espirito Santo's side currently level on points with the Gunners after 11 league outings.

While Leandro Trossard sustained a knock, Arsenal escaped the November break without much damage on the injury front, although there will be questions over the statuses of those who skipped international duty.

Here's the team we're predicting to start against Forest at the Emirates on Saturday.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Nottingham Forest

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - The Spaniard is struggling on the clean sheets front this term compared to last, and he'll come face-to-face with one of the division's sharpest shooters, Chris Wood, on Saturday.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - It's been a while since Timber enjoyed himself down the right flank, but the potential return of Riccardo Calafiori combined with Ben White's absence means the Dutchman could start in his preferred role.

William Saliba (CB) - The Frenchman wasn't particularly busy over the break and is a shoo-in to start. He'll be put to the test by the visitors' slickness in transition.

Gabriel (CB) - Expect Gabriel to see plenty of Wood, who won't be testing Saliba in the channels. The Brazilian is returning from South America but Arteta hasn't got a choice but to start his imposing centre-back.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - I'm not 100% sure whether Calafiori will be back, but there were reports over the break that the Italian will return after the break. If he is fit and available, Arteta may find it hard to resist returning him to the XI.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (CM) - Rice was dealing with a foot injury (potentially a broken toe) before the break and missed England duty as a result. Out of those who remained at London Colney over the past two weeks, Rice is the most likely to miss out on Saturday and Partey should remain at the base of midfield.

Mikel Merino (CM) - The Spaniard offered a glimpse of his potential at Stamford Bridge and should only improve as he racks up more and more Premier League minutes. Merino has a big role to play over the next couple of months.

Martin Odegaard (CM) - Odegaard returned home having initially been called up to the Norway squad, with the national team doctor commenting that the skipper will continue his recovery in north London - perhaps suggesting he wasn't 100% when he made the XI against Chelsea. The two weeks off would've done him a world of good, and he should be fine to start this weekend.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - Saka is reportedly in a race against time to be fit for Saturday's bout, but we've been here before. The winger usually finds a way.

Kai Havertz (ST) - The return of Odegaard should allow Havertz to focus solely on occupying the box and getting himself into good scoring positions. He's been forced to do plenty of drifting which hasn't suited him in Odegaard's absence.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - Martinelli's racked up plenty of air miles over the past three months, but not many minutes for the national team. While he may be a little weary having returned from South America in the build-up to Saturday's game, the winger will be desperate to start having scored two weeks ago at Chelsea.

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS HERE!