Arteta drops Declan Rice as Arsenal host Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest
Declan Rice named among substitutes while Eberechi Eze's involvement remains unclear ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting at the Emirates
Mikel Arteta left England midfielder Declan Rice on the bench as Arsenal prepared to host Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday.
Arsenal published their matchday squad on Saturday morning with Rice among the substitutes, a selection that leaves questions over midfield configuration as the Gunners aim to respond to a defeat to Liverpool before the international break. The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 BST at the Emirates Stadium.
Team news coming through in the build-up also left the status of new signing Eberechi Eze unclear. Arsenal supporters had been awaiting confirmation whether Eze would make a full debut, but early announcements stopped short of declaring him in the starting XI. Managers and clubs traditionally finalise and confirm final lineups shortly before kick-off.
The fixture carries added intrigue because Forest are led by Postecoglou, who is visiting the Emirates with a squad that has undergone notable change over the past 12 months. Nottingham Forest's early-season form under their new manager has prompted discussion about a so-called "new manager bounce," and Arsenal will be looking to guard against any immediate momentum swing in the visitors' favour.
Arsenal's decision to leave Rice on the bench is notable given his role in midfield since signing for the club. Arteta has rotated his midfield personnel at times this season, and the selection suggested a tactical choice intended to address immediate opposition threats and to manage player fitness following the international break.
The broader Premier League schedule on Saturday includes several high-profile fixtures, with attention on early-weekend momentum as teams look to establish form in the early stages of the 2025-26 season. Arsenal enter the match keen to pick up points at home and to steady their season after a setback to Liverpool, while Forest will aim to continue whatever progress they have made under Postecoglou.
Matchday coverage at the Emirates was being provided by on-site reporters, and further confirmation of starting lineups and tactical formations was expected in the build-up to kick-off. Supporters and pundits were watching for late changes and substitutions that could influence the outcome, particularly in midfield where Arsenal's rotation has significant bearing on the club's attacking and defensive balance.
Kick-off at 12:30 BST will conclude the immediate pre-match speculation, with full-time analysis to follow and attention turning to Arsenal's next fixtures depending on Saturday's result. Officials and both clubs were due to confirm any further updates in official pre-match communications.