Nottingham Forest v Arsenal – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Forest have lost four of their last five league matches. The Gunners have won eight of their last 10 league matches vs Forest.

Match: Nottingham Forest
When: Saturday, 17 Jan 2026

Nottingham Forest Form

Forest showed some improvement initially under Sean Dyche, winning 12 of his first 12 matches in charge. After smashing Tottenham 3-0 at home, they’ve lost four of their last five league matches. A 1-0 loss at Fulham was followed by a 2-1 home defeat to Man City. They lost 2-1 at home to Everton despite a 21-11 shot count.

They had just 27% possession in a 3-1 loss away to Aston Villa. A late penalty from Morgan Gibbs-White sealed a key 2-1 win away at West Ham. Last Friday, they drew 3-3 at Wrexham and lost on penalties in the FA Cup. Forest had 31 shots in that match, but did not create a single big chance.

Nottingham Forest Team News

Sean Dyche is without Chris Wood up front. Ryan Yates should be available after a thigh injury. Backup goalkeeper John Victor is ruled out and Oleks Zinchenko is ineligible against his parent club.

Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare are back from AFCON duty. Forest made nine changes for their cup exit and are expected to revert to the XI which won at West Ham.

Nottingham Forest Motivation

A draw here would feel like a win. Forest are not doing well at home of late.

A defensive outlook is expected as they try to deny Arsenal time and space. Dyche’s side could have around 35% possession in this match.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal have won 21 of their last 25 matches in all competitions. A 2-1 home win vs Brighton saw 3.08 xG produced and a 24-8 shot count. The Gunners dominate Aston Villa in a 4-1 home win with 3.04 xG put up. A 3-2 win followed in a close match at Bournemouth.

Mikel Arteta’s side played out a cagey 0-0 home draw vs Liverpool. After a 4-1 win at Portsmouth in the FA Cup third round, they won 3-2 at Chelsea in midweek in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

Arsenal Team News

The Gunners are set to be without Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori in defence. Piero Hincapie is another doubt, so Jurrien Timber could deputise at left back.

Arteta could rotate his side in this match. Gabriel Martinelli is pushing for a start after his hattrick at Portsmouth. David Raya will return, and Noni Madueke is also hoping for a rare starting XI berth in the league.

Arsenal Motivation

Arsenal would see a draw as a poor result here. They will have one eye on Man City’s result as they look to extend their six-point lead.

Mikel Arteta’s side will have plenty of possession here. The Gunners will look to score first, then make themselves hard to break down.

Key Stats

• Nottingham Forest have lost 9 of their last 12 home EPL matches
• Forest have lost 4 of their last 5 league fixtures
• Arsenal have won 8 of their last 10 EPL matches vs Forest
• Arsenal have won 21 of their last 25 matches
• Arsenal have conceded in 6 of their last 7 matches

Verdict

Arsenal are flying, whilst Forest are poor at home. A Gunners win is highly likely. Expect the Gunners to dominate set-pieces again.

Best Bet: Arsenal win and Over 2.5 goals at 2.45

High Value Goalscorer Tip: Gabriel to score anytime at 5.50