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Nottingham Forest and Arsenal meet in matchday 7 of the Premier League on Sunday, 18 October, with kick-off scheduled for 15:30 UK time at the City Ground.
The teams come into this fixture in contrasting form. Arsenal have continued to collect positive results, while Forest have struggled for consistency and goals.
Read on for our match analysis, sports betting tips and the key markets to consider.
Prediction
Arsenal to win
Odds are subject to change.
Arsenal have generally enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture, although Nottingham Forest have proved difficult to beat at the City Ground in recent seasons.
The hosts have drawn 0-0 with the Gunners in each of their last two home league meetings, while Arsenal have won four of the five most recent encounters listed below.
Forest’s home record this season offers less encouragement. They are yet to win a Premier League match at the City Ground, recording one draw and two defeats in their first three games there.
Arsenal’s stronger overall form makes them favourites, but their recent visits to Nottingham suggest the hosts could make the contest competitive.
Head-to-head
| 3 | 2 | 7 | |||
| Wins | Draws | Wins | W | D | W |
| Competition | Score | Date | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | Nottingham Forest NOT | 0-0 | Arsenal ARS | 17/01/2026 17/01/26 |
| Premier League | Arsenal ARS | 3-0 | Nottingham Forest NOT | 13/09/2025 13/09/25 |
| Premier League | Nottingham Forest NOT | 0-0 | Arsenal ARS | 26/02/2025 26/02/25 |
| Premier League | Arsenal ARS | 3-0 | Nottingham Forest NOT | 23/11/2024 23/11/24 |
| Premier League | Nottingham Forest NOT | 1-2 | Arsenal ARS | 30/01/2024 30/01/24 |
Here’s a closer look at Nottingham Forest’s current situation. We will highlight the team’s recent run of form, their latest displays, and how they might approach this new test against the Gunners.
Forest sit 15th in the Premier League table, with just one win from their first six matches. Consecutive defeats to Coventry City and Crystal Palace have added to the pressure, leaving them only two points clear of the relegation zone.
Their home form is a particular concern. Forest have taken just one point from three league matches at the City Ground and have yet to score in front of their own supporters. All five of their league goals this season have come away from home.
Dan Ndoye has scored twice in the league, while Morgan Gibbs-White has been an important creative presence. However, Gibbs-White is a doubt after sustaining a minor muscular problem against Crystal Palace. Igor Jesus and Nicolo Savona remain sidelined.
| Date | Score | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/10/2026 11/10/26 | Crystal Palace CRY | 3-1 | Nottingham Forest NOT | Loss L |
| 19/09/2026 19/09/26 | Nottingham Forest NOT | 0-1 | Coventry COV | Loss L |
| 12/09/2026 12/09/26 | Aston Villa AST | 1-2 | Nottingham Forest NOT | Win W |
| 05/09/2026 05/09/26 | Nottingham Forest NOT | 0-0 | Tottenham TOT | Draw D |
| 29/08/2026 29/08/26 | Liverpool LIV | 2-2 | Nottingham Forest NOT | Draw D |
Sels; Aina, Diomande, Murillo; Muñoz, Schlager, McAtee, Williams; Gibbs-White, Ndoye; Delap.
Now, let’s turn our attention to Arsenal. We will delve into their recent form, key players, and what to expect from them in this fixture.
Arsenal sit second in the Premier League table after winning five of their first six matches. Their only league defeat came against Brighton, but they responded with a 2-1 victory over Leeds United before beating Lille 3-0 in the Champions League.
The Gunners have won nine of their ten matches in all competitions this season, making them formidable opponents despite their recent setback. They have also won two of their three away league fixtures, suggesting they can maintain their momentum on the road.
Bukayo Saka remains a key attacking threat, while Declan Rice has contributed in midfield. Arsenal have, however, suffered injury setbacks: Piero Hincapie and William Saliba are unavailable, while Martin Zubimendi is a doubt after sustaining an ankle injury.
| Date | Score | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13/10/2026 13/10/26 | Arsenal ARS | 3-0 | Lille LIL | Win W |
| 10/10/2026 10/10/26 | Arsenal ARS | 2-1 | Leeds LEE | Win W |
| 19/09/2026 19/09/26 | Brighton BRI | 3-0 | Arsenal ARS | Loss L |
| 15/09/2026 15/09/26 | Ipswich IPS | 2-4 | Arsenal ARS | Win W |
| 12/09/2026 12/09/26 | Sunderland SUN | 0-2 | Arsenal ARS | Win W |
Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Guimarães, Rice; Saka, Ødegaard, Eze; Havertz.
Recent results (Últimos 5 partidos)
Season stats
43% Both teams to score 33%
Arsenal’s strong start to the season makes them favourites to take all three points. Arsenal to win with an Asian Handicap of -1.5 is an option for those expecting a convincing away victory.
Forest’s struggles in front of goal also make Under 1.5 goals in the first half worth considering. Arsenal have failed to score before half-time in each of their last five matches across the Premier League and Champions League, despite generally strong results.
Our main prediction is Arsenal to win, with the visitors better placed to exploit Forest’s attacking difficulties and extend their run of positive results.
| Nottingham Forest x Arsenal | ||
| Tip | Tip | Best Odd |
| Asian Handicap | Arsenal to win with a handicap of -1.5 | 2.65 at BetMGM |
| Over/Under | Under 1.5 goals in the first half | 1.36 at BetMGM |
The odds mentioned were collected at the time of writing this prediction and are subject to change. Always check the bookmaker’s site for up-to-date information.
Discover our other betting tips for the Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal clash, with more valuable markets to consider.
The Double Chance: 12 market covers a win for either team. Given Arsenal’s strong form and Forest’s difficulties at home, this offers an alternative to backing the visitors outright.
Arsenal have the quality to take control of the match, but their recent tendency to start slowly is worth considering. Backing Arsenal to be leading at half-time carries more risk than the full-time selection.
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