Jorginho and Gabriel Jesus were among five changes to the starting line-up from the Gunners' last match against Chelsea a fortnight ago.
Arteta is without Ben White for the match after the defender underwent surgery on a knee injury.
Meanwhile, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz have all dropped to the bench.
Alongside Jorginho and Jesus, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard also come into the side at the Emirates Stadium.
Reacting to the team news on social media, one fan wrote: "What is this?"
READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
Arsenal dealt bitter blow as Mikel Arteta confirms full extent of Ben White lay-off
Meet Premier League's most underrated star who Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle all want
Another added: "Nice joke, now post the real line-up."
A third supporter also commented: "I hope Arteta knows what he's doing."
Meanwhile, one more said: "I'm sorry, what?"
Jorginho makes just his fourth league appearance of the season and his first from the start for over a month.
Most read in Football
'I love that kid' - Amorim reveals forgotten Man United star is huge part of his plan
Wayne Rooney watches ex-Premier League star recreate iconic Man United goal for Plymouth
Meet Premier League's most underrated star who Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle all want
Peter Crouch scored the '£15m goal' against Man City to make history for Tottenham
As for Jesus, he only has a single start across his nine league matches so far this term.
Arteta's side are in action once again in midweek, though, with a trip to face Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
A win against Forest first would close the gap to Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race.
Forest, meanwhile, go into the match level on points with their opponents.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side are just one place back in fifth after a strong start to the season.
Forest have only lost twice in the league this term, but were beaten last time out by Newcastle.