Eze and Mosquera Set for Arsenal Home Debuts Against Nottingham Forest

Published: 13 September 2025 | The English Chronicle Desk

Arsenal will welcome Nottingham Forest to the Emirates Stadium this weekend with fresh optimism as manager Mikel Arteta makes three changes to the side that narrowly fell 1-0 to Liverpool just under two weeks ago. The Premier League clash promises excitement as summer signings Jorginho Eze and Vicente Mosquera are handed their first home starts following impressive substitute performances at Anfield.

The defensive lineup sees William Saliba unavailable due to the lingering effects of the injury he sustained against Liverpool, prompting Arteta to shuffle his backline. Gabriel Martinelli, who started the previous match, will take a place on the bench, allowing new recruits to take the spotlight. Captain Martin Odegaard makes his return in midfield, bringing leadership and composure to the heart of the team. Declan Rice, who has recently returned from international duty, joins Ben White and deadline-day signing Piero Hincapie among the substitutes, providing Arteta with a wealth of options throughout the 90 minutes.

Between the posts, David Raya is set to make a landmark 100th appearance for the club. His selection marks him as the 20th goalkeeper in Arsenal’s storied history to reach a century of games, a milestone celebrated by fans and pundits alike. Raya’s consistency and command of the penalty area will be vital against a Forest side eager to challenge the Gunners on their home turf.

Nottingham Forest, under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, arrive seeking redemption after a heavy 3-0 defeat to West Ham United in their previous fixture. The Forest manager has been forced into one alteration due to the long-term absence of Ola Aina, who suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty with Nigeria. Morato steps into the squad, with Postecoglou yet to confirm whether the adjustment will see a left-back reshuffle or the implementation of a back three, tactics that could test Arsenal’s offensive and defensive organization.

The line-ups reflect the strategic considerations of both managers. Arsenal will field Raya in goal, protected by a defensive unit of Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, and Calafiori. Midfield duties are shared among Merino, Zubimendi, and Odegaard, while the attack will feature Madueke, Eze, and Gyokeres. On the bench, Arsenal have Arrizabalaga, White, Lewis-Skelly, Hincapie, Rice, Nwaneri, Dowman, Martinelli, and Trossard ready to impact the match.

Nottingham Forest’s starting XI includes Sels, Morato, Murillo, Milenkovic, Williams, Sanagre, Anderson, Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Ndoye, and Wood. Their substitutes—Victor, Savona, Boly, Luiz, Yates, McAtee, Hutchinson, Bakwa, and Kalimuendo—offer a range of tactical solutions for Postecoglou as he looks to turn around Forest’s recent fortunes.

Beyond the starting line-ups, the encounter carries broader significance for both sides. Arsenal will look to assert dominance early in the season, leveraging the creativity of their midfield and the attacking flair of their new signings. Eze and Mosquera, in particular, are expected to make immediate impressions on the home crowd, translating their energy and technical skill into goal-scoring opportunities. For Forest, resilience and tactical discipline will be key as they attempt to navigate the Emirates’ atmosphere and exploit any openings left by the Gunners.

Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on how Arteta’s adjustments affect the team’s cohesion, especially given the absence of Saliba and the benching of Martinelli. Meanwhile, the return of Odegaard provides an experienced figure to orchestrate play, manage tempo, and drive Arsenal forward against an opposition that has already demonstrated the capacity to press and challenge at pace.

As kick-off approaches, supporters can anticipate a full spectrum of match-day coverage, including statistics, tactical breakdowns, player profiles, and live commentary. Television listings and digital streams are available for those unable to attend, while in-depth analysis of Forest’s summer transfers and strategic approach promises to enhance viewer understanding of the clash.

This fixture not only offers a platform for Arsenal’s new signings to establish themselves but also sets the tone for the season ahead. Both teams will be eager to secure three points, and the outcome may have lasting implications for their league campaigns. With individual milestones, tactical battles, and high-stakes performances all set to unfold, the Emirates Stadium is poised to host a match that promises both intensity and intrigue for football fans across the nation.