Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

With their nearest challengers trailing by six points, the Gunners know that another victory could further stretch their advantage at the summit if results elsewhere go their way.

Arsenal arrive in Nottingham brimming with confidence despite this being their third straight away fixture across different competitions. 

Cup victories over Portsmouth and Chelsea have reinforced belief within Mikel Arteta’s squad, while a midweek Carabao Cup success over the Blues extended their unbeaten competitive run to 10 matches (W9, D1).

Although they were held to a scoreless draw by Liverpool in their last league outing, Arsenal still begin the round with a healthy six-point cushion at the top. 

Consistency has been the hallmark of their campaign, and even away from home they continue to show the control and resilience expected of genuine title contenders.

Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, find themselves battling to restore confidence. Currently 17th in the table, they remain seven points clear of the relegation zone but form has dipped alarmingly, with just one win from their last six matches. 

That solitary league success came against West Ham, a result that briefly lifted spirits before an FA Cup defeat to Wrexham plunged the City Ground back into frustration.

Forest have now lost five of their last six games in all competitions and have already been beaten six times at home in the league this season, more than across the entirety of last term.

Forest have struggled in this fixture, losing eight of the last 10 Premier League meetings (W1, D1). 

However, both occasions they avoided defeat came at the City Ground, including a goalless draw in February. Arsenal have kept clean sheets in each of the last three meetings, and were comfortable 3-0 winners in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

Forest could welcome back Ibrahim Sangare and Willy Boly following Ivory Coast’s AFCON exit, offering a timely boost. 

However, John Victor is sidelined with a knee problem, while Chris Wood is not expected back until late February. Ryan Yates may feature after returning to training following a thigh injury.

Arsenal’s defensive resources are stretched, with Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera all unavailable. 

Youngster Max Dowman also remains out and is still some weeks away from returning, according to Arteta.

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Dominguez; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Igor Jesus

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Magalhaes, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

Forest may take encouragement from previous home resistance against Arsenal, but the visitors’ form, defensive solidity and attacking depth point towards another controlled display from the league leaders.

Correct score prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal

After reading our Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal preview, remember to stake the game on LiveScore Bet.

Betting tips:

Arsenal to win

Arsenal to keep a clean sheet

Under 3.5 goals