Arsenal have lost three of their last four visits to the City Ground, so are therefore seeking back-to-back league victories in Nottingham for the first time since 1990.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Preview
After seeing their title dreams, pretty much, go up in flames at the weekend, can Arsenal claim a morale-boosting victory on the banks of the River Trent? On Saturday, the Gunners suffered their first home league defeat of the season, beaten 1-0 by West Ham, rarely threatening all afternoon, with Myles Lewis-Skelly's second half red card compounding a miserable afternoon all round.
This leaves Mikel Arteta's team 11 points adrift run-away league-leaders Liverpool, a surely unassailable gap, despite the fact Arsenal had been unbeaten in 15 league matches prior to the weekend. The title race may be over but, ahead of next Tuesday's Champions League trip to PSV Eindhoven, a victory here would be most-welcome for all Gooners worldwide.
Nottingham Forest though, who kick off just six points below their visitors, will fancy their chances of claiming a victory to enhance their Champions League chances. Despite being third, Nuno Espírito Santo's side have actually lost three of their last four, most-recently beaten 4-3 at Newcastle in a truly bonkers game on Sunday.
Callum Hudson-Odoi fired the visitors in front at St James' Park inside five minutes, only for Forest to concede four times in an 11-minute first half blitz, meaning second half goals from Nikola Milenković and then Ryan Yates were too little to spark a comeback. The Garibaldi Reds have now lost three on the spin away from home, also beaten at Bournemouth and Fulham, but remain undefeated in six at the City Ground, winning five of them. Thus, Forest fans will certainly believe they can beat Arsenal come Wednesday night.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 106.
- Nottingham Forest Wins: 29. Draws: 22. Arsenal Wins: 55.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Nuno Espírito Santo reverted to a 4-3-3 on Sunday, due to Callum Hudson-Odoi's return to fitness, so, given that they conceded four, it'll be interesting to see if he goes bold again, or opts for a more defensive shape.
Midfield remains a question mark, but only because Nuno has a plethora of fantastic options at his disposal. Nicolás Domínguez and Elliot Anderson got the nod at Newcastle, with Ibrahim Sangaré and Ryan Yates coming off the bench, while Danilo is another excellent alternative.
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Arsenal: (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenković, Murillo, Williams; Domínguez, Anderson, Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White; Elanga, Wood.
Nottingham Forest Players to Watch vs Arsenal
Chris Wood has 18 goals to his name this season, although he's only ever netted once in 13 meetings with Arsenal, this coming for Burnley behind-closed-doors four years ago.
Arsenal Team News
With Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all sidelined, Mikel Arteta is very short of forward options. Raheem Sterling's lifeless display at Leicester has seen him lose his place, with Mikel Merino likely to be deployed as a makeshift centre-forward again, despite looking lost on Saturday. Ethan Nwaneri should be fine, after being taken off with cramp at the weekend.
At the back, Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended, so Arteta has a decision to make. Does Riccardo Calafiori come in at left-back, or could Jurriën Timber slot in over on that side now that Benjamin White is back fit, coming off the bench for his first appearance since 10 November at the weekend?
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest: (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Partey, Ødegaard; Nwaneri, Trossard, Merino.
Arsenal Player to Watch vs Nottingham Forest
Leandro Trossard has just five goals to his name this season, the most-recent of which came in last month's North London derby, and they really need the Belgian to be back at his best.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Prediction
We are backing Forest for victory in this one. Nuno's side are so strong at home, while Arsenal look exhausted and bereft of both belief and ideas, so we are backing the home side to claim a gigantic three points in their fight to remain in the top five: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Premier League game on TV channel?
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 2
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Premier League game on live streaming?
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: discovery+
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal in the Premier League?
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal takes place on Wednesday 26 February 2025, with kick off at 19:30 (GMT), 14:30 (EDT) & 11:30 (PST).