Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Preview and Prediction
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Match Preview
Tournament – Premier League
Date – Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Kick-off Time – 01:00 am IST
Venue – City Ground
Nottingham Forest have struggled this season and find themselves engaged in the Premier League relegation battle. They are 16th in the table, four points above 18th-placed Luton Town, who have a game in hand.
However, the Tricky Trees have seen a slight upturn in form since the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo as manager. They have lost one of their last six games across competitions, which includes wins over Newcastle United and Manchester United.
Arsenal, meanwhile, started the season well but struggled recently. They had just one win in seven games across competitions before they hammered Crystal Palace 5-0 at home in their last Premier League game.
The Gunners are third in the standings, five points behind leaders Liverpool. They will be keen to build some winning momentum to keep themselves in the title race.
Also Read: Tottenham vs Brentford Preview and Prediction
Team News
Nottingham are without Moussa Niakhate, Ibrahim Sangare, Cheikhou Kouyate, Ola Aina, Willy Boly, and Serge Aurier due to their participation at AFCON with their respective countries.
Taiwo Awoniyi, Anthony Elanga, Divock Origi, and Felipe are all out injured.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are missing Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny due to their participation at the AFC Asian Cup and AFCON respectively.
Fabio Vieira, Thomas Partey, and Jurrien Timber are out injured.
Possible Lineups
Nottingham Forest:
Goalkeeper: Matt Turner
Defenders: Nuno Tavares, Murillo, Gonzalo Montiel, Andrew Omobamidele
Midfielders: Orel Mangala, Ryan Yates, Danilo
Attackers: Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chris Wood, Nicolas Dominguez
Arsenal:
Goalkeeper: David Raya
Defenders: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz
Attackers: Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus
Head-to-Head
Arsenal have a narrow 4-3 advantage in the head-to-head between the two sides in their seven meetings. None of their clashes have ended in a draw.
Their last meeting at the City Ground was iconic as Nottingham won 1-0 in the 2022-23 season. The result confirmed their place in the Premier League for this season and it also officially handed the Premier League title to Manchester City over Arsenal.
Last five results:
Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest – Premier League – August 12, 2023
Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal – Premier League – May 20, 2023
Arsenal 5-0 Nottingham Forest – Premier League – October 30, 2022
Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal – FA Cup – January 9, 2022
Arsenal 5-0 Nottingham Forest – Premier League – September 25, 2019
Also Read: Liverpool’s Triple Threat – Salah, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold – Set to Follow Klopp Out of Anfield?
Prediction
Nottingham Forest have put in some decent performances in recent games and have lost just once in their last six games across competitions. The defeat came in their last Premier League game as they lost 3-2 against Brentford away.
Nottingham then played out a goalless draw at Bristol City in the FA Cup fourth round.
Meanwhile, Arsenal put in a dominant performance against Crystal Palace in their last game and will look to build on that win. With Nottingham missing several key players, the Gunners should take all three points from City Ground.
Predicted Score: Nottingham Forest 0-3 Arsenal
Odds (subject to change)
Nottingham Forest win – 8.25
Arsenal win – 1.45
Draw – 5.20
Odds source – Oddspedia.com
Players to Watch Out For
Nottingham Forest
For Nottingham, Chris Wood could be the player to watch out for. The New Zealand striker has scored twice in his last three games across competitions. He’s scored eight goals in 19 Premier League games this season for Nottingham.
Wood is likely to be starved of service against Arsenal and he will need to make the most of whatever he gets. Moreover, the Gunners have a good record with set pieces and Wood will be crucial in that aspect as well.
Arsenal
For Arsenal, all eyes will be on Bukayo Saka. The Englishman has struggled in recent times and has just one goal and one assist in the last seven games across competitions.
Saka is still the Gunners’ top scorer with six goals in 20 Premier League games. He will look to get back to scoring ways against Nottingham and add to his tally.
Where to Watch
India – Disney+ Hotspur website/app, Star Sports network
UK – Sky Sports
US – Peacock Premium