Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Preview: Hosts Look To Solidify Top 4 Position

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Preview

• Draw or Arsenal win
• Both teams to score

Nottingham Forest’s recent struggles have seen them fall six points behind second-place Arsenal, and now their top-four status is under threat after three defeats in their last four Premier League games.

A difficult fixture against the Gunners doesn’t make things easier, especially considering Forest have lost four of the five Premier League H2Hs since their top-flight return in 2022/23.

Arsenal’s 15-match unbeaten league run ended with a shock 1-0 defeat to West Ham last weekend, exposing their lack of attacking firepower amid injuries to key players.

However, the Gunners have shown resilience, having not lost back-to-back Premier League games since December 2023.

This match could prove decisive in the race for Champions League qualification, with Forest needing to bounce back at home, while Arsenal will be desperate to keep up their pursuit of league leaders Liverpool.

Key Stats

• Nottingham Forest have lost three of their last four league games.
• Forest have lost four of the five Premier League H2Hs with Arsenal since 2022/23.
• Arsenal have won 12 of their last 16 Premier League games played on a Wednesday (D1, L3).
• Forest have won six of their last seven home league games, including a 7-0 win vs Brighton.
• Arsenal have won 12 of their last 13 evening kick-offs (7 PM or later) in the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest: Can They Keep Their Top-Four Spot?

Despite boasting one of the strongest home records in the division, Nottingham Forest’s dip in form has come at the worst time. Their 6-0 defeat to Manchester City and 2-1 loss to Fulham exposed defensive weaknesses, but they responded well by thrashing Brighton 7-0 at home.

Why Forest Fans Can Be Hopeful

• They have won six of their last seven home league games.
• Chris Wood has been in superb scoring form at home.
• Arsenal are struggling for goals and are missing key players.

Recent Form (Last Five Matches in All Competitions)

• Premier League: Fulham 2-1 Nottingham Forest – Loss
• Premier League: Nottingham Forest 7-0 Brighton – Win
• Premier League: Manchester City 6-0 Nottingham Forest – Loss
• FA Cup: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Exeter City (AET) – Win
• Premier League: West Ham 2-0 Nottingham Forest – Loss

Key Player: Chris Wood (Striker)

• Scored before half-time in Forest’s last three home games.
• The team’s main goal threat and focal point in attack.
• Will look to test Arsenal’s centre-backs with his aerial dominance.

Arsenal: Can They Recover From West Ham Defeat?

Arsenal’s 1-0 home defeat to West Ham last weekend was a huge setback, not just in their title chase but also in their ability to create and finish chances. Injuries have hit Mikel Arteta’s squad hard, with the team looking far from their best in attack.

Why Arsenal Fans Can Be Hopeful

• They have a strong record in Wednesday fixtures, winning 12 of their last 16.
• They haven’t lost back-to-back Premier League games since December 2023.
• Forest have struggled in previous H2Hs against Arsenal.

Recent Form (Last Five Matches in All Competitions)

• Premier League: Arsenal 0-1 West Ham – Loss
• FA Cup: Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland – Win
• Premier League: Arsenal 3-0 Leicester City – Win
• Premier League: Manchester City 5-1 Arsenal – Loss
• Premier League: Arsenal 2-1 Brentford – Win

Key Player: Gabriel (Defender)

• With Arsenal struggling to score, his aerial presence could be vital.
• Nine of his last ten goals for Arsenal have been headers.
• Will be tasked with keeping Chris Wood quiet.

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Meetings in All Competitions)

Key Trends

• Arsenal have won four of the last five Premier League meetings.
• Forest’s last league win over Arsenal came in May 2023 (1-0).
• The last two league meetings at the City Ground ended 1-0 (one win each).

Tactical Insights

Nottingham Forest’s Approach

• Look to Chris Wood as the target man for crosses and set-pieces.
• Remain compact defensively and frustrate Arsenal’s attackers.
• Utilise quick transitions and counter-attacks against Arsenal’s high line.

Arsenal’s Approach

• Use their wingers to stretch Forest’s defence.
• Mikel Merino to drop deep and link up play.
• Dominating midfield battles through Ødegaard and Rice.

Match Prediction

Arsenal badly need a response after their disappointing loss to West Ham, but Forest’s strong home form could pose a challenge.

While Forest will likely look to exploit Arsenal’s recent struggles in front of goal, the Gunners’ excellent record in midweek games and strong defensive structure should give them the edge.

Final Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal

• Chris Wood to score first for Forest.
• Gabriel to be a key threat from set-pieces.
• Arsenal’s superior quality to prevail in a tight contest.

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Nottm Forest v Arsenal, 2024/25 | Premier League