Top-of-the-table Arsenal travel to the City Ground for a Premier League showdown against Nottingham Forest, with the visitors looking to tighten their grip on the title race. Kick-off is set for 5:30pm on Saturday and below you can find our match preview and best bets.
Best Bets & Predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal to Win & Under 4.5 goals | 8/15 @ BetMGM (65.2%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Arsenal have won five of their last six in the Premier League with the only blemish on that record being the goalless draw with Liverpool nine days ago. Nottingham Forest have lost six of their 10 Premier League home games this season (W3 D1), already one more than they lost at the City Ground in the whole of last season (W9 D5 L5). Only one of Arsenal’s away league matches has featured over 4.5 goals this season. |
| Decla Rice Anytime Assist | 9/2 @ BetMGM (18.2%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Declan Rice has provided an impressive eight assists for club and country this season. The midfielder can put the ball on a six-pence and it’s no secret how effective Arsenal can be from his set-pieces. With odds of 9/2 only implying a 18% chance of success. We feel are getting a nice bit of value here after his assist for Ben White in the League Cup on Wednesday |
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How both teams go into Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup run ended in disappointment as they lost on penalties to Wrexham after a 3-3 draw. Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson missed in the shootout, leaving Forest with five defeats in six games across all competitions.
Sean Dyche criticised the team’s poor first-half showing but praised the second-half effort. Forest remain 17th in the Premier League, seven points above the relegation zone, but have struggled at home this season, losing six league games already in 2025-26.
Arsenal managed a 3-2 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday, with Alejandro Garnacho’s brace giving the Blues brief hope. The narrow win keeps the Gunners in control ahead of the second leg at the Emirates and raises hopes of a first League Cup success under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners have also beaten Portsmouth 4-1 in the FA Cup in the last week and remain six points clear at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners are enjoying a strong run away from home, winning five straight matches and scoring at least three goals in four of those games.
Nottingham Forest team news
Chris Wiid and Ryan Yates are out injured. Ibrahim Sangare and Willy Boly are yet to return from AFCON.
Arsenal team news
Cristhian Mosquera, Max Dowman and Riccardo Calafiori are out for the visitors.
Season Form & Standings
2025/26 season to date: Arsenal sit atop the Premier League with an imposing record, while Nottingham Forest are battling at the wrong end of the table.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 1 | 21 | 15 | 4 | 2 | 40 | 14 | +26 | 49 |
| Nottingham Forest | 17 | 21 | 6 | 3 | 12 | 21 | 34 | -13 | 21 |
Head-to-Head: Last 6 Meetings
Arsenal have dominated the recent head-to-head, winning five of the last six encounters and keeping four clean sheets in those games. Nottingham Forest’s only positive result was a goalless draw last season.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 13/09/25 | Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest | Premier League |
| 26/02/25 | Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal | Premier League |
| 23/11/24 | Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest | Premier League |
| 30/01/24 | Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal | Premier League |
| 12/08/23 | Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest | Premier League |
Conclusion: Can Forest Defy the Odds?
Arsenal arrive in Nottingham with momentum, defensive solidity, and attacking depth, while Forest have struggled to find consistency or a reliable goal threat. It’s hard to see Arteta’s side losing here, and taking them to win the game with under 4.5 goals being scored looks a solid proposition at 17/20 with BetMGM.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
