Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – Preview, Prediction, Team News, Head-2-Head (h2h), Correct Score Prediction, Formation, Lineups & Current Form.
A recent draw against Liverpool prevented Arsenal from establishing an eight-point lead over title rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa. However, the Gunners have since regained their momentum, securing consecutive cup victories over Portsmouth and Chelsea.
Arsenal’s pursuit of a quadruple remains formidable, with only two teams managing to defeat them this season. Their dominance was on full display back in September when they brushed aside a Nottingham Forest side then managed by Ange Postecoglou; a surprising brace from MartÃn Zubimendi sealed a convincing 3–0 win for the North Londoners.
While Arsenal will be monitoring the results of City (facing Manchester United) and Villa (hosting Everton), they cannot afford to be distracted. Their primary focus must remain on securing three points in their own fixture.
Nottingham Forest finds themselves in a similar position of needing to stay focused. Despite a seven-point cushion above the relegation zone, a run of just one win in five matches means they aren’t safe yet. Following their vital victory over West Ham, Forest will be desperate to snatch any points possible from this difficult encounter with Arsenal.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 17
- Kick-off Time: 5:30 p.m. GMT / 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT
- Location: Nottingham, England
- Stadium: City Ground
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- VAR: Darren England
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal H2H Record (Last 5 Games)
- Nottingham Forest: 0 wins
- Arsenal: 4 wins
- Draws: 1
- Last meeting: Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest (Sept. 13, 2025) – PL
Current Form – Both Teams (All Competitions)
| Nottingham Forest | Arsenal |
|---|---|
| Wrexham 3-3 (4–3p) Nottingham Forest | 09–01–26 | Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal | 14–01–26 |
| West Ham 1-2 Nottingham Forest | 06–01–26 | Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal | 11–01–26 |
| Aston Villa 3-1 Nottingham Forest | 03–01–26 | Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool | 08–01–26 |
| Nottingham Forest 0-2 Everton | 30–12–25 | Bournemouth 2-3 Arsenal | 03–01–26 |
| Nottingham Forest 1-2 Man City | 27–12–25 | Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa | 30–12–25 |
Nottingham Forest Team News
Sean Dyche has a relatively healthy squad, though at least three players will be unavailable for the clash against the league leaders. Knee injuries have sidelined both Chris Wood and John Victor, while Oleksandr Zinchenko is barred from playing against his parent club under the terms of his loan agreement from Arsenal.
On a more positive note, Ryan Yates is back in the mix after returning to training. Additionally, Dyche’s options are bolstered by the return of Ibrahim Sangaré and Willy Boly, who have rejoined the squad following their international stint with Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Arsenal Team News
Mikel Arteta confirmed that his squad emerged unscathed from their midweek Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Chelsea. While he hinted that some long-term absentees might be nearing a return, he remained tight-lipped regarding specific names.
Piero Hincapié is the most likely candidate to rejoin the matchday squad after recovering from a setback sustained against Liverpool. However, the Gunners will still be without Max Dowman, Cristhian Mosquera, and Riccardo Calafiori for the trip to Nottingham.
In terms of selection, Arsenal may stick close to the lineup that defeated Chelsea, though Arteta could rotate. David Raya is pushing to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, while youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly is a candidate to step in for Ben White.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Correct Score Prediction
While Arsenal haven’t always relied on high-scoring blowouts this season, they have become incredibly efficient at avoiding slip-ups, particularly against teams in the bottom half of the table. Arteta’s squad is currently brimming with confidence, and their superior depth and quality should allow them to navigate a congested fixture list as they look to make Nottingham Forest their next victim.
Defensively, the Gunners have appeared slightly more vulnerable recently. However, since Forest have struggled for goals – averaging exactly one per game this season – Arsenal will be confident in their ability to secure a win at the City Ground.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal
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