The Emirates Stadium will host a crucial clash on Saturday as Arsenal look to end a four-match winless run in the Premier League against a confident Nottingham Forest side. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes recently, with Arsenal struggling to keep up in the title race while Forest continue to surprise with solid performances this season.
Arsenal’s Plight
Mikel Arteta’s men have not won in their last four league games, dropping crucial points against Bournemouth, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Chelsea. Currently trailing league leaders Liverpool by nine points, the Gunners must start collecting maximum points to reignite their title hopes.
Home games have been a source of comfort for Arsenal, as their last Premier League victory came at the Emirates against Southampton. Arteta will hope his side can rediscover their early-season form and use this fixture as a platform to build momentum.
Nottingham Forest’s Resilience
Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest have become one of the most defensively robust sides in the league, boasting the second-best defensive record behind Liverpool. However, a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United in their last outing ended a three-game winning streak.
Despite the setback, Forest remain confident heading into this clash, particularly after already defeating Liverpool away this season. A win at the Emirates could take them above Arsenal, adding an extra layer of motivation for Santo’s men.
Team News & Probable Lineups
Arsenal
Arsenal face a mixed injury situation, with key players like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice expected to return after recovering during the international break. However, Ben White is sidelined following knee surgery, leaving Arteta with defensive decisions to make.
Arteta might deploy Thomas Partey at right-back, with Jurrien Timber potentially featuring on the left. In attack, Kai Havertz could retain his place alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Saka, while Martin Odegaard orchestrates play from midfield.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Nottingham Forest
Forest’s only notable absentees are Ibrahim Sangare and Danilo, with Nuno Espirito Santo otherwise fielding a strong side. Striker Chris Wood will be assessed after international duty, but Taiwo Awoniyi is ready to lead the attack if required.
Forest will likely stick to their solid 4-2-3-1 setup, with Morgan Gibbs-White playing a creative role behind the striker. Wide players Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi will be key to their counter-attacking threat.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Dominguez; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Key Stats
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League home games.
- Arsenal have won their last five home matches against Nottingham Forest across all competitions.
- Forest are unbeaten in their last seven away games in the Premier League.
- Forest’s defence is the second-best in the league, conceding fewer goals than all teams except Liverpool.
- Martin Odegaard has been directly involved in two goals in his last three Premier League appearances.
Player to Watch: Martin Odegaard
Arsenal’s captain has been pivotal to their creative and attacking play. Following a brief absence, Odegaard’s return against Chelsea before the break showed his importance. With time to recover fully, the Norwegian will be key to Arsenal’s hopes of breaking Forest’s defensive setup.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest Prediction:
Arsenal 2-0 Nottingham Forest
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