Nottingham Forest FC vs Arsenal FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Nottingham Forest FC vs Arsenal FC Match Prediction & Analysis

With the title race intensifying, Arsenal will be desperate to recover from their recent setback and grab all three points in their midweek clash against Nottingham Forest. The Gunners head to the City Ground for a crucial showdown, kicking off at 1:00 a.m. IST on Friday.

Both teams come into this clash looking to bounce back from defeat. Arsenal suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to West Ham, while Nottingham Forest endured a thrilling but disappointing 4-3 setback against Newcastle—their second straight league defeat.

Current Standings: With 47  points (14 wins, 5 draws & 7  losses), Nottingham is currently placed 3rd in the league standings, while Arsenal occupies a position above at the 2nd place with just 53 points (15 wins, 8 draws, and 3 defeats).  

Head-to-Head Record: In 15 matches that have been played between the teams, Forest holds a 10-2 advantage over Forest with 3 draws. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Nottingham Forest FC Preview

Nuno Espírito Santo has transformed Nottingham Forest since taking over in December 2023, guiding them from relegation struggles to a remarkable third place with 47 points from 26 games—just six behind Arsenal. However, their form has dipped at the worst time, suffering three defeats in their last four matches while conceding 11 goals. Arsenal won’t be easy, but the Tricky Trees must shore up their defense and fight to take something from this clash.

Nottingham Forest’s hopes against Arsenal could rest on Chris Wood’s shoulders. The Kiwi striker has been on fire at the City Ground, racking up five goals and an assist in his last three home games. Fresh off a hat-trick against Brighton, he’s now scored in three straight home matches for the first time in his Premier League career. If Forest are to take something from this clash, Wood might just have to deliver another masterclass.

Key Stats 

1. Nottingham Forest won four of their last five matches at home while the other one ended in a draw.
2. Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in their last seven home games.
3. Chris Wood is Nottingham’s top scorer with 18 goals. 

Team News 

The Tricky Trees’ boss has toyed with a back three this season, and with Arsenal struggling against West Ham’s similar setup, he might try it again. On the bright side, Forest have a fully fit squad to choose from.

Nottingham Forest  Probable XI - Sels (GK); Milenkovic, Murillo, Morato; Aina, Anderson, Yates, Williams; Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood

Arsenal FC Preview

Arsenal’s title hopes took a major hit with their defeat to West Ham, widening the gap to Liverpool to 11 points. Even a perfect run in their final 12 games would leave them with 89 points—likely not enough, given the Reds’ relentless form and last season’s harsh lesson when 89 points still fell short. The last time Arsenal lost back-to-back league games, it started with a home defeat to West Ham—just like this time. It's a repeat the Gunners can’t afford.

With Arsenal missing key attackers, Leandro Trossard will shoulder the scoring burden in Nottingham. The Belgian, operating from the left, has the quality to deliver but will need to step up big time. With Mikel Arteta adjusting his tactics—once even deploying Mikel Merino up front—Trossard’s creativity and finishing will be crucial.

Key Stats

1. The Gunners are amidst a unbeaten run of eight games away from home winning four of their last five.
2. With 9 goals, Arsenal leads the Premier League in goals scored from corners this season.
3. Kai Havertz is Arsenal's leading scorer in the Premier League for the 2024/25 season, with nine goals. 

Team News 

Lewis-Skelly will miss Wednesday’s clash due to his red card against West Ham, while concerns linger over Nwaneri, who limped off in the same game. 

Arsenal Probable XI - Raya (GK); Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard

NOTTINGHAM FOREST FC vs ARSENAL FC
Winning Prediction

Arsenal have dominated this fixture, winning seven of the last eight Premier League meetings, with Forest’s only triumph coming back in May 2023. The Tricky Trees also suffered a 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture, but they’ll take hope from the fact that Arsenal are missing key players this time around. Nonetheless, with a solid record at home this season, the Tricky Trees have the ability to push the Gunners on Thursday. 

Considering their dominant record against Forest, it is not surprising that almost all betting sites favour Arsenal more than Forest in this contest. Arsenal is the favourite to win the match, with odds of 2.01 to Forest's 3.95 and 3.45 for a draw. 

Arsenal to Win (1-2)

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