Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Preview, predictions and lineups

Arsenal are looking to bring their three-game winless run to an end on Saturday afternoon when they host in-form Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

The Gunners are enduring a rare rough patch under Mikel Arteta at the beginning of the 2024/25 season and already find themselves nine points behind table toppers Liverpool. They have failed to win any of their past four Premier League outings and were far from their best in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea prior to the international break.

Having played their last four matches on the road, Arsenal will be relieved to return to the Emirates Stadium this weekend. However, they know a visit from surprise package Nottingham Forest will be far from straightforward.

Forest have defied expectations under Nuno Espirito Santo at the beginning of the campaign, currently sat fifth and level on points with Saturday’s opponents. A defeat to Newcastle United before the international period was only their second in the Premier League this term and their defensive organisation will frustrate an Arsenal side struggling in the final third.

Here is 90min’s guide to an intriguing clash in north London.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest H2H Results (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest on TV – UK and US

Both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice withdrew from the England squad over the November international break but should be available for Arteta this weekend. Arsenal supporters will be desperate to see the duo line up on Saturday.

Ben White underwent surgery on his knee over the international period and will be absent for “months” according to Arteta. Fellow right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu is sidelined and Kieran Tierney is missing with a hamstring problem on the other flank.

Leandro Trossard was a victim of the international break after hobbling off during Belgium’s clash with Israel. He’s certainly a doubt for Forest’s visit.

In better news, Riccardo Calafiori will return to the squad this weekend after missing the last month of action. Whether he’s fit enough to start remains to be seen.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-3-3): Raya; Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.

Forest don’t have as many fitness concerns as the Gunners but will be without Danilo for the long-term after he broke his ankle on the opening day of the season. Ibrahim Sangare is closing in on a return after a lengthy spell in the treatment room but Saturday may come too soon for the midfielder.

Ola Aina has been in excellent form this season and Espirito Santo will be concerned by his withdrawal from Nigeria’s clash with Benin with a knock. Elliot Anderson pulled out of the England Under-21s squad but should feature in some capacity in north London.

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Arsenal

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Dominguez; Anderson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.

The international break should have given Arsenal the opportunity to reset and start again after a difficult few weeks. Martin Odegaard showcased his influence on his return to the starting XI against Chelsea and his presence is a massive boost in breaking down a stubborn Forest defence.

Forest have already beaten Liverpool on the road and taken points off Chelsea, meaning the Gunners will have to be wary of their organised and determined visitors. The in-form Chris Wood will be keen to continue his impressive goalscoring run up against an Arsenal defence that has looked leakier than last term.

However, with the home crowd behind them and a plethora of world-class options across the pitch, Arsenal should return to winning ways at the weekend.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest

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