Match Overview
Nottingham Forest welcome league leaders Arsenal to the City Ground for a Saturday evening Premier League fixture. Forest have found a steadier home rhythm, while Arsenal arrive in strong form after a prolific recent run. The reverse meeting in September ended 3-0 to Arsenal, highlighted by a brace from Martín Zubimendi. With points vital at both ends of the table, this matchup promises a disciplined duel decided by midfield control and efficiency in the final third.
- Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
- Competition: Premier League
- Venue: The City Ground
- Date: 17-01-2026
- Kickoff: 17:30 GMT / 17:30 UTC
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest
- M. Sels
- N. Milenkovic
- N. Williams
- Murillo
- N. Savona
- E. Anderson
- M. Gibbs-White
- C. Hudson-Odoi
- N. Domínguez
- Igor Jesus
- O. Hutchinson
Arsenal
- David Raya
- J. Timber
- W. Saliba
- Gabriel Magalhães
- M. Lewis-Skelly
- Martín Zubimendi
- D. Rice
- Mikel Merino
- M. Ødegaard
- V. Gyokeres
- B. Saka
Injury & Suspension Report
Nottingham Forest
- R. Yates – Hamstring Injury
- John – Injury
- C. Wood – Knee Injury
- O. Zinchenko – Loan agreement
Arsenal
- Cristhian Mosquera – Ankle Injury
- M. Dowman – Ankle Injury
- R. Calafiori – Injury
- P. Hincapié – Injury
Head-to-Head
These clubs share a long rivalry. Across 99 meetings, Arsenal have 50 wins, Nottingham Forest 28, with 21 draws. Recent encounters have tended to be tighter affairs, averaging just under 2.5 goals per match across the last eight clashes.
Match Analysis & Prediction
Forest’s home performances have settled into a measured tempo. They have scored seven across their last five at the City Ground, often using width and quick combinations to progress. Their approach balances a compact shape with selective forward bursts, though they have conceded slightly more than they score. Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive in form with four wins from five and 13 goals in that stretch, a profile of control and cutting edge.
Forest’s press vs Arsenal’s fluid attack
Forest will likely look to press in moments and funnel play wide, trying to create transition opportunities for the likes of C. Hudson-Odoi, O. Hutchinson, and M. Gibbs-White to exploit space. The hosts’ discipline without the ball is important against an Arsenal side that is comfortable circulating possession. Any success for Forest hinges on disrupting Arsenal’s build-up early and converting limited chances through Igor Jesus’ runs and midfield support from E. Anderson and N. Domínguez.
Zubimendi’s impact and Arsenal’s midfield control
The reverse fixture was defined by Martín Zubimendi’s brace in a 3-0 Arsenal win, and his positioning again looks central to the visitors’ plan. With D. Rice and Mikel Merino adding physicality and control, and M. Ødegaard linking phases, Arsenal have the tools to dictate tempo and territory. In attack, B. Saka and V. Gyokeres give a direct goal threat, consistent with Arsenal’s recent return of two goals per game on average against teams in comparable positions, while conceding just over one.
Head-to-head trends point to controlled encounters rather than high-scoring shootouts, which suits Arsenal’s balance between protection and production. Forest’s resilience at home and targeted pressing can keep this competitive, but Arsenal’s recent momentum and midfield structure provide a clear edge. Set plays and second balls could be decisive if chances are limited.
Prediction: Arsenal to win 0-2.