Arsenal host high-flying Nottingham Forest in Premier League action on Saturday, and we’ve got the team news, confirmed lineups, as well as a preview and a score prediction for the match.
Arsenal Vs Nottingham Forest Preview
Separated only by goal difference in the Premier League table, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest prepare for a captivating clash at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side, winless in their last four league games, are in desperate need of a turnaround to revive their title hopes, while Forest also arrive after a humbling 3-1 home defeat to Newcastle.
Arsenal’s creativity has seen a slight uptick with Martin Ødegaard’s return, as evidenced by Gabriel Martinelli’s goal in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea, but defensive frailties persist.
Currently nine points off the top spot, the Gunners must capitalise on their strong home form – they are unbeaten in eight league games at the Emirates and have scored two or more in seven of those matches.
Meanwhile, Forest boast one of the league’s best defensive records, conceding just 10 goals – although three came in their Newcastle defeat.
The visitors have also excelled on the road, maintaining a seven-match unbeaten away run and conceding the fewest minutes trailing of any team this season.
History favours Arsenal, who have won their last five home games against Forest, but the Tricky Trees could leapfrog the Gunners into the top four with a victory, adding extra stakes to an already high-pressure encounter.
Arsenal Team News
Arteta has a mixed bag of fitness concerns as Arsenal return from the international break. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, who withdrew from England duty due to minor issues, are expected to be fit for Saturday’s clash.
However, Leandro Trossard’s involvement remains uncertain after picking up a knock with Belgium, and there are lingering doubts over defensive trio Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney – though Tierney has returned to full training and could be in contention.
Ben White, however, is ruled out until the New Year following surgery, meaning Jurrien Timber is likely to shift to right-back, while Oleksandr Zinchenko could take over at left-back.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Meanwhile, Nuno Espírito Santo has minimal fitness concerns, although fitness checks will be required for Murillo and top scorer Chris Wood, who both travelled for World Cup qualifiers.
While Murillo did not feature for Brazil and is expected to be ready, Wood’s heavy involvement could prompt Santo to consider a start for Taiwo Awoniyi.
However, Wood has accounted for over half of Forest’s Premier League goals this season, so Santo will be eager to include him if possible.
Besides that, Forest also continue to be without midfield duo Ibrahim Sangare and Danilo, though the former may return later this month.
Arsenal Vs Nottingham Forest Confirmed Lineups
Arsenal Confirmed Lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Jorginho, Merino; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
Nottingham Forest Confirmed Lineup:
Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Ward-Prowse, Dominguez; Elanga, Wood, Hudson-Odoi
Arsenal Vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
Arsenal’s strong home form, coupled with their head-to-head dominance over Nottingham Forest, makes them favourites.
However, as we’ve seen this season, Forest are no pushovers. With one of the league’s best defensive records and an impressive seven-game unbeaten streak on the road, they have the tools to frustrate Arsenal, particularly if Wood is fit to lead the line.
Their disciplined defence and counter-attacking threat could cause problems for an Arsenal side still finding their rhythm.
Given Arsenal’s need for a response and Forest’s ability to stay competitive, a tight encounter seems likey, but we’re giving the edge to the Gunners.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest
