Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest Preview

• Arsenal to win
• Over 2.5 goals

Arsenal return to Premier League action at the Emirates aiming to bounce back from their narrow 1-0 defeat at Anfield before the international break. While the loss to Liverpool was their first stumble of the campaign, it exposed once again how injuries can seriously impact their rhythm. Mikel Arteta’s men have already been stretched by a lengthy absentee list, which threatens to derail their title push before momentum even builds. The Gunners still remain among the favourites for the crown, but consistency will be key if they are to turn another strong start into something more meaningful come May.

The London club will take comfort from their generally strong home form, winning two of their last two league games at the Emirates without conceding. Yet, a strange trend has seen them fail to extend such winning sequences in the recent past — on four separate occasions since August 2024, Arsenal have followed back-to-back home league wins with a draw in the third game. This fixture therefore presents them with the perfect chance to finally break that pattern, particularly against a Forest side in transition.

For Nottingham Forest, the focus has shifted dramatically in the past two weeks. The board’s decision to part company with Nuno Espírito Santo after only three matches shocked many, particularly after an unbeaten start (W1, D1, L1). His public falling-out with the club’s hierarchy and suggestion that “a resolution must come soon” effectively sealed his fate. The managerial upheaval has left Forest in ninth place after three rounds, with Ange Postecoglou arriving as the new man in the dugout. The former Tottenham boss could hardly have been handed a more daunting debut — a trip to Arsenal’s fortress — but he will relish the chance to test his methods against his old club’s fiercest rivals.

Postecoglou inherits a squad that has lost five of their last 11 league outings (W3, D3) after previously going on a far more consistent run. The Australian’s priority will be to stabilise the defence, as Forest haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last 11 Premier League matches. That vulnerability could be ruthlessly exploited by an Arsenal attack which thrives on early breakthroughs at home.

Head-to-Head History

The history books offer little comfort for Forest ahead of this clash. Arsenal have won 10 of the 16 Premier League meetings between the sides, with Forest claiming just two victories (D4). Crucially, both of Forest’s wins have come at the City Ground, underlining the scale of their challenge in north London.

At the Emirates, Arsenal have been utterly dominant. They have won each of the last six home meetings in all competitions against Forest by a combined scoreline of 19-2, including a 5-0 league triumph in October 2023. The disparity in experience and squad quality suggests the Gunners are once again overwhelming favourites.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Arsenal have opened the scoring in each of their last seven Premier League home matches.
• The Gunners have won just one of their last six Saturday-held league games at the Emirates (D3, L2).
• Forest have failed to keep a clean sheet in 11 consecutive Premier League fixtures.
• Forest have drawn five of their last seven away league matches officiated by Darren England (W1, L1).

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

For Arsenal, Noni Madueke could be pivotal. Having scored in this fixture while representing Chelsea last season, he will look to add more goals in north London colours.

Notably, nine of his 13 Premier League goals have been scored in the second half, underlining his ability to influence games after the break.

Forest may turn to Arnaud Kalimuendo for inspiration. The forward has been productive on the road, netting five of his last seven goals away from home.

With limited attacking options, his ability to exploit spaces on the counter could prove Forest’s best route to success.

On the injury front, Arsenal are without key names. Bukayo Saka and William Saliba head their growing list of absentees, while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz also remain sidelined. For Forest, Nicolás Domínguez continues his long recovery and will not feature.

Betting Analysis

Arsenal’s dominance in this fixture, their home scoring record, and Forest’s current instability make the Gunners heavy favourites. With Postecoglou still acclimatising and Forest struggling for defensive solidity, Arsenal winning with a -1 handicap looks the most logical value bet.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

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Arsenal v Nottingham Forest | 2025/2026 | Premier League | Overview