Only separated by goal difference in the Premier League standings, Arsenal hosts Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, in what promises to be an intense battle. Both teams are coming off recent setbacks, with Arsenal failing to secure a win in four straight league matches and Nottingham Forest suffering a home loss to Newcastle United.
Match Preview
This has been a very underwhelming season by the Gunners compared to pre-season expectations. Mikel Arteta’s side is far from guaranteed a Champions League place, never mind challenging the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool for the title. Although they managed to draw 1-1 with Chelsea in their last league outing, Arsenal has struggled to find any sort of consistent form, managing just two wins in their last seven games in all competitions.
However, their form at home offers some respite. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League matches at the Emirates, scoring multiple goals in seven of those encounters. Saturday’s match will also mark Arteta’s 250th game in charge, further raising the stakes for a much-needed victory.
By contrast, Nottingham Forest, who are managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, boast one of the best defensive records in the Premier League, with just 10 goals shipped in 11 matches. It followed a 3-1 defeat to Newcastle, and Forest still remains an opponent no one would want to take for granted, given they had won three of their last four league games. They are fifth and can leapfrog Arsenal into the top four with a win.
Team News
Arsenal
Arteta will be without the likes of Ben White, who is out until the New Year following surgery. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice withdrew from international duty, but both are expected to be available for the match. Leandro Trossard, Riccardo Calafiori, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are doubts due to injury, but Kieran Tierney has returned to full training.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Nottingham Forest
Santo’s team has not changed much, with only Danilo and Ibrahim Sangaré remaining out due to injury. It is unclear how Murillo and Chris Wood are doing after traveling for World Cup qualifiers, but both are expected to be fit. If Wood isn’t ready, Taiwo Awoniyi is the most likely to deputize.
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup:
Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Dominguez, Yates; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Key Stats and Insights
Arsenal have won each of their last five home games against Nottingham Forest in all competitions.
Nottingham Forest are currently on a seven-game unbeaten away run in the Premier League this season.
Arsenal’s defensive record is now worse than Forest’s, having conceded 14 goals so far this season to Forest’s 10.
Prediction
Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Both teams will look rejuvenated after the international break. Nottingham Forest have a fighting chance because of their strong away form, but Arsenal’s home advantage along with the return of Martin Odegaard should win the day.
