Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 17 January

Nottingham Forest will host Arsenal at the City Ground, Nottingham, on Saturday, 17 January, in a Premier League clash that promises to be intriguing. This match is a significant test for both teams as they navigate the competitive landscape of the Premier League. Nottingham Forest, playing on home turf, will be eager to use their familiarity with the City Ground to challenge Arsenal, who are renowned for their attacking prowess.

Arsenal, with their sights set on climbing the league table, will be looking to secure a crucial away victory. The dynamics of this match are particularly interesting, given the historical rivalry and the current standings in the Premier League. With both teams aiming for three points, this encounter could have significant implications for their respective league positions. These betting tips will provide insights into what to expect from this exciting fixture.

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Arsenal -2.50 (Asian Handicap)	5

For the Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal match, I am leaning towards the Asian Handicap Arsenal -2.5. Arsenal’s attacking prowess has been exceptional, especially against teams lower down the table. Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, have shown defensive vulnerabilities against top-tier teams, which Arsenal can exploit effectively.

• Arsenal’s attack is in great form, often scoring multiple goals in recent matches.
• Nottingham Forest struggle defensively against stronger opposition, leading to potential gaps.
• The quality gap between the teams suggests a high probability of Arsenal covering the -2.5 handicap.

Betting Odds

Arsenal head into this Premier League clash as strong favourites with odds of 1.53, reflecting their superior form and squad depth. Nottingham Forest, playing at home, are seen as underdogs with odds of 6.09, but the City Ground could spring surprises.

Betting Tip	Odds
Nottingham Forest to win	6.09
Draw	4.17
Arsenal to win	1.53

The draw is priced at 4.17, suggesting that while a Forest upset is unlikely, a stalemate is not out of the question. For those considering goal markets, Arsenal’s attacking prowess makes over 2.5 goals an enticing option.

Nottingham Forest Analysis & Past Performance

Nottingham Forest’s recent form has been underwhelming, with the team managing just one win in their last five matches. These results include a narrow 2-1 victory over West Ham, but also a disappointing 6-7 loss to Wrexham in the FA Cup. The team has struggled to maintain consistency, reflected in their current placement in the league standings at 17th, with a total of 21 points.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Wrexham	Nottingham Forest	N/A	FA Cup	9 Jan 2026
West Ham	Nottingham Forest	1 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	6 Jan 2026
Aston Villa	Nottingham Forest	3 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026
Nottingham Forest	Everton	0 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025
Nottingham Forest	Manchester City	1 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

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In their last five games, Nottingham Forest have averaged 2.00 goals per match, while conceding an average of 3.00, indicating defensive frailties that need addressing. The team has failed to keep a single clean sheet in this period, highlighting a significant area for improvement. Despite scoring in four out of five matches, the lack of defensive solidity has hindered their ability to secure more positive results.

Nottingham Forest Suspensions & Injuries

Nottingham Forest face the challenge of adapting their squad in the absence of several key players. Chris Wood’s knee injury sidelines him until early February 2026, impacting Forest’s attacking options. His physical presence and ability to hold up play will be missed, potentially placing more responsibility on Igor Jesus as the focal point in attack. Similarly, Ryan Yates’ hamstring injury removes a dynamic midfield option, expected back by late January 2026. This could see Nicolás Domínguez and Elliot Anderson tasked with increased midfield duties to maintain balance and creativity.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Oleksandr Zinchenko	Club decision	1	Unknown

The defensive line remains largely intact, but the suspension of Oleksandr Zinchenko due to a club decision leaves a gap at the back. Zinchenko’s versatility and experience would have been crucial against Arsenal’s potent attack. In his absence, Neco Williams will need to step up and provide solidity and support from the full-back position, ensuring the defence remains robust.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Chris Wood	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Ryan Yates	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
John Victor	Knee injury	Late January 2026

These absences could influence Nottingham Forest’s tactical approach, potentially leading to a more conservative setup to mitigate the impact of missing players. The betting markets might adjust to reflect Forest’s reduced attacking threat and defensive vulnerabilities, potentially favouring Arsenal as the more stable side.

Nottingham Forest Key Players

Morgan Gibbs-White stands out as Nottingham Forest’s top scorer with 5 goals, showcasing his ability to find the net from midfield. His dynamic playing style and vision make him a pivotal figure in orchestrating attacks and unlocking defences. Gibbs-White’s role as a playmaker is crucial, as he links the midfield with the attack, creating opportunities for his teammates.

In the forward line, Igor Jesus is expected to lead the attack, relying on his agility and finishing skills to pose a significant threat to the opposition’s defence. His movement off the ball and ability to exploit spaces will be vital for Nottingham Forest. The midfield support from Nicolás Domínguez and Omari Hutchinson is also essential, as their energy and ball-winning capabilities can help control the game’s tempo.

Expected lineup for Nottingham Forest

• Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
• Defenders: Ola Aina, Nikola Milenković, Murillo, Neco Williams
• Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Nicolás Domínguez, Omari Hutchinson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi
• Forward: Igor Jesus

At the back, the defensive solidity provided by Nikola Milenković and Murillo will be key in maintaining a strong defensive structure. Their physical presence and tactical awareness are crucial in dealing with Arsenal’s attacking threats. Overall, the blend of creative midfield play and robust defence is likely to shape Nottingham Forest’s tactical approach, aiming to balance offensive ambition with defensive resilience.

Nottingham Forest Tactics and Formation

Nottingham Forest Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Igor Jesus
• Midfield Pivot: Elliot Anderson and Nicolás Domínguez
• Defensive Concern: Zero clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on creative midfield play and exploiting wide areas.

Nottingham Forest’s 4-2-3-1 formation aims to provide a balance between defensive stability and attacking flair. With Elliot Anderson and Nicolás Domínguez anchoring the midfield, the team can transition quickly from defence to attack, relying on their ability to distribute the ball effectively.

The absence of Ryan Yates and Chris Wood due to injury means more creative responsibility falls on Morgan Gibbs-White, who operates as the central attacking midfielder. His partnership with wingers Omari Hutchinson and Callum Hudson-Odoi is crucial for creating scoring opportunities for Igor Jesus.

Defensively, the backline consisting of Ola Aina, Nikola Milenković, Murillo, and Neco Williams has struggled, as evidenced by the lack of clean sheets in recent matches. Improving their defensive organisation will be key against a potent Arsenal attack.

Arsenal Analysis & Past Performance

Arsenal have demonstrated impressive form recently, with an unbeaten streak in their last five games, securing four wins and one draw. Their recent victory against Chelsea in the EFL Cup, with a scoreline of 3-2, highlighted their attacking prowess and ability to perform under pressure.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Chelsea	Arsenal	2 – 3 (Win)	EFL Cup	14 Jan 2026
Portsmouth	Arsenal	1 – 4 (Win)	FA Cup	11 Jan 2026
Arsenal	Liverpool	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	8 Jan 2026
Bournemouth	Arsenal	2 – 3 (Win)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026
Arsenal	Aston Villa	4 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In their last five matches, Arsenal have averaged 2.80 goals per game, scoring a total of 14 goals while conceding six. This reflects a strong offensive unit led by Viktor Gyökeres, who has scored five goals. Defensively, they have kept one clean sheet in this period, indicating room for improvement in their backline.

Arsenal’s away form has been particularly noteworthy, winning all five of their recent away fixtures. This 100% away win ratio underscores their capability to secure points on the road, a crucial factor in their current league standing at the top of the table with 49 points. Their away performances have seen them score 10 goals and concede four, showcasing a resilient and determined squad.

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Arsenal Suspensions & Injuries

Arsenal face some challenges with several players dealing with injuries. Notably, Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman are sidelined with ankle injuries, expected back by mid-February. Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié’s muscle and hamstring injuries, respectively, may see them return by late January. This could impact Arsenal’s defensive depth, especially given Calafiori and Hincapié’s potential roles in rotating the squad during a congested fixture period.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Cristhian Mosquera	Ankle injury	Mid-February 2026
Max Dowman	Ankle injury	Mid-February 2026
Riccardo Calafiori	Muscle injury	Late January 2026
Piero Hincapié	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
Leandro Trossard	Thigh injury	Doubtful
William Saliba	Knock injury	Doubtful

Leandro Trossard and William Saliba, both listed as doubtful due to thigh and knock injuries, respectively, could still feature in the match. Considering their inclusion in the lineup, Arsenal might rely on their fitness being adequate for the game. Trossard’s creativity and Saliba’s defensive presence are crucial, and their absence would necessitate tactical adjustments, possibly seeing more reliance on the likes of Ben White and Gabriel to hold the defensive line.

Despite these setbacks, Arsenal’s starting lineup remains strong. The presence of players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard ensures that the team retains its attacking flair and midfield stability. However, the injuries could influence Arsenal’s bench strength, potentially impacting late-game substitutions and tactical flexibility, which in turn might affect betting markets by slightly increasing the uncertainty of Arsenal’s performance.

Arsenal Key Players

Viktor Gyökeres stands out as Arsenal’s top scorer with five goals this season, showcasing his clinical finishing and intelligent positioning in the forward line. His ability to find space and convert chances will be pivotal against Nottingham Forest’s defence. Alongside him, Bukayo Saka, a dynamic winger, is expected to create opportunities with his pace and dribbling. Saka’s crossing ability and eye for goal make him a constant threat in the attacking third.

Martin Ødegaard’s role as a playmaker in the midfield is crucial for Arsenal’s tactical approach. His vision and precision passing can unlock defences and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, the centre-back pairing of Gabriel and Ben White will be instrumental in maintaining a solid backline, with White’s ability to play out from the back providing an additional dimension to Arsenal’s play.

Expected lineup for Arsenal

• Goalkeeper: David Raya
• Defenders: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Ben White
• Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice
• Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, Leandro Trossard

The combined strengths of these key players suggest Arsenal will adopt a balanced approach, mixing defensive solidity with attacking flair. Gyökeres’ goal-scoring prowess, Saka’s creativity, and Ødegaard’s playmaking skills are expected to be the cornerstone of Arsenal’s game plan.

Arsenal Tactics and Formation

Arsenal Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Viktor Gyökeres
• Midfield Pivot: Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice
• Defensive Strength: Consistent backline with Ben White and Gabriel
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and possession-based play.

Arsenal’s 4-3-3 formation under Mikel Arteta is designed to maximise their attacking prowess while maintaining defensive stability. The midfield trio of Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi, and Declan Rice provides a blend of creativity, control, and defensive cover, essential for their possession-based strategy.

Defensively, the partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel at centre-back, flanked by Ben White and Jurrien Timber as full-backs, has been key in achieving clean sheets. David Raya in goal adds further assurance, especially with his ability to play out from the back.

Offensively, Arsenal rely on the dynamic front three of Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, and Leandro Trossard. Gyökeres, as the central striker, is crucial for converting chances, while Saka and Trossard offer width and creativity. This setup has contributed to Arsenal’s strong away form with a 100% win rate in their last five away matches.

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Head-to-Head Record

In their last 11 head-to-head meetings, Arsenal have dominated with 7 wins compared to Nottingham Forest’s 3, and just 1 match ended in a draw. The most recent encounter saw Arsenal cruise to a 3-0 victory at home in the Premier League. This highlights Arsenal’s strong form against Forest in recent years.

The last time Nottingham Forest hosted Arsenal at the City Ground, the match ended in a goalless draw. Forest will be hoping to replicate or better that result, but Arsenal’s away form suggests they will be difficult to break down.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Arsenal	Nottingham Forest	3 – 0	Premier League	2025-09-13
Nottingham Forest	Arsenal	0 – 0	Premier League	2025-02-26
Arsenal	Nottingham Forest	3 – 0	Premier League	2024-11-23
Nottingham Forest	Arsenal	1 – 2	Premier League	2024-01-30
Arsenal	Nottingham Forest	2 – 1	Premier League	2023-08-12