Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest Match Preview

The Premier League returns this weekend with Arsenal hosting Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in the early kick-off. Mikel Arteta’s side are aiming to recover quickly from their narrow loss to Liverpool, while Forest arrive under new management, with Ange Postecoglou taking charge for the first time. Both teams have questions to answer, and this match provides an early test of resilience and adaptability after the international break.

Head-to-Head Context

Arsenal and Forest have faced each other frequently in recent years, with the Gunners holding a strong upper hand at home:

• Last season’s meeting at the Emirates ended 3-0 in Arsenal’s favour, goals coming from Saka, Thomas Partey, and Ethan Nwaneri.

• The reverse fixture in February finished 0-0, one of the few times Arsenal failed to find the net against Forest.

• Forest’s last victory in this fixture dates back to May 2023, a 1-0 win at the City Ground that dented Arsenal’s title challenge.

• Across all competitions, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 14 home matches against Forest (W10 D4), scoring 19 goals and conceding only twice.

Historically, Forest’s successes over Arsenal have come at the City Ground. At the Emirates, the record strongly favours the home side.

Current Form and Momentum

Arsenal

Arsenal began the season with promise:

• A 1-0 away win at Manchester United showed control and discipline.

• A 5-0 demolition of Leeds highlighted their attacking potential.

• A narrow 1-0 loss at Liverpool ended their perfect start, though the performance suggested fine margins rather than structural flaws.

Arteta’s team sits near the top of the table, three points off early leaders Liverpool. The focus now is to re-establish rhythm and sharpen their attacking edge.

Nottingham Forest

Forest’s season has been turbulent:

• A strong 3-1 opening win over Brentford.

• A 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.

• A 3-0 home defeat to West Ham, which cost Nuno Espirito Santo his job.

The managerial switch to Postecoglou has created uncertainty. His attacking style is a stark departure from Nuno’s counter-attacking approach. Forest face the challenge of adjusting quickly, with little time to implement his philosophy before facing one of the league’s top sides.

Tactical Preview

Arsenal are expected to retain their 4-3-3 structure, with Gabriel anchoring the defence and Mosquera potentially stepping in if Saliba is not fit. Timber and Calafiori give Arteta flexibility at full-back, capable of stepping into midfield or overlapping depending on the phase of play. Declan Rice will once again sit at the base, with Ødegaard and Zubimendi providing control further forward. Eberechi Eze could be given his first league start in red and white, offering an extra spark between the lines. In attack, Viktor Gyökeres will lead the line, supported by Noni Madueke on the right, whose direct running and goal threat add balance to the front three. Arsenal’s plan will be to stretch Forest’s defence and test Murillo’s discipline in duels with Gyökeres, while also leaning on set pieces, where they have looked dangerous.

Forest, under Postecoglou, are expected to move toward a 4-2-3-1 system. Savona and Williams will operate as full-backs, with Milenkovic and Murillo in the centre. Sangaré and Anderson provide energy and range in midfield, while Gibbs-White remains their creative heartbeat behind the striker. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Dan Ndoye are likely to occupy the flanks, with Chris Wood the reference point up top. The new manager is likely to encourage more proactive football than his predecessor, which could lead to Forest pressing higher up the pitch. This approach may create opportunities for their attackers, but it also risks leaving gaps for Arsenal to exploit, particularly if Forest’s back line struggles to hold its shape against pace and movement.

Key Players to Watch

Arsenal

• Viktor Gyökeres – Two goals against Leeds highlighted his finishing quality. His battle with Murillo will shape Arsenal’s attacking threat.

• Declan Rice – The midfield anchor and ball-winner, crucial to breaking Forest’s transitions.

• Eberechi Eze – Pushing for his first start, his creativity and dribbling could be vital in unlocking a compact defence.

• Noni Madueke – Fresh from a goal for England, he adds pace and direct running on the right.

Nottingham Forest

• Morgan Gibbs-White – The creative hub, dangerous on set pieces and in advanced pockets.

• Elliot Anderson – One of the league’s top line-breaking passers this season, he brings control and vision.

• Chris Wood – In strong form, his hold-up play will be essential against Arsenal’s centre-backs.

• Callum Hudson-Odoi – Brings pace and unpredictability, capable of exploiting defensive lapses.

Injury and Suspension Updates

Arsenal

• Out: Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Kai Havertz (knee), Gabriel Jesus (ACL).

• Doubtful: William Saliba (ankle), Christian Norgaard (knock).

• Fit: Ødegaard returns, Ben White expected to feature, new signing Piero Hincapié available if required.

Nottingham Forest

• Out: Ola Aina (hamstring).

• Ineligible: Oleksandr Zinchenko (loan from Arsenal).

• Doubtful: Nicolás Domínguez (knee).

Both squads face selection challenges, though Arsenal’s depth provides more flexibility.

Statistical Insights

• Head-to-head: Arsenal have won six straight home games against Forest, scoring 19 goals and conceding 2.

• Form guide: Arsenal are unbeaten in 14 home matches against Forest. Forest have lost five of their last 11 Premier League games.

• Clean sheets: Arsenal kept two clean sheets in their first three games. Forest have gone 11 league matches without a clean sheet, including nine straight away.

• Set pieces: Arsenal’s xG from set plays (2.34) is the second-highest in the league. Forest struggle defending aerial balls.

• Attacking output: Forest lead the league in passes into the final third (471) and crosses (85), averaging 28.3 per game.

• Pressing: Both teams rank in the top three for high-intensity pressures in the final third – Arsenal (280), Forest (301). Gyökeres and Wood rank second and third individually in this metric.

Prediction and Closing Thoughts

Arsenal come into this match under pressure to respond after their defeat at Anfield. Playing at the Emirates, with attacking reinforcements in Madueke and Eze, they should have too much for a Forest side still adjusting to Postecoglou’s methods. The key will be whether Arsenal can break down Forest’s defensive shape early. An early goal could open the floodgates; if not, patience and set-piece execution may decide the contest.

Forest’s main threat lies in transition through Gibbs-White and Hudson-Odoi, but Arsenal’s midfield structure should provide enough cover. Expect Postecoglou to encourage a proactive style, which may leave space in behind for Gyökeres to exploit.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

A win would not only restore momentum but also set Arsenal up for a crucial run of fixtures against Manchester City and Newcastle. For Forest, this fixture comes too soon in their new era, though signs of Postecoglou’s influence will be worth monitoring.