Arsenal hold a clear quality edge across the season, collecting 15 points from six fixtures compared to Forest's five points. However, Forest's matches at the City Ground have been exceptionally low-scoring, with zero goals scored and just two conceded across three games, including a 0-0 draw against Tottenham. Arsenal's previous two visits to this venue also finished 0-0, and with key personnel like Saliba and Zubimendi unavailable, backing Arsenal or draw provides appropriate protection against another tight defensive stalemate.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal prediction
- Round
- Regular Season - 7
- Venue
- City Ground, Nottingham
- Referee
- Michael Oliver
Published by the BetGenius Editorial Desk · Editorial policy
Recent form
Last 5 matches · 1W-1D-3L · -3 goal difference
Last 5 matches · 3W-1D-1L · +2 goal difference
Our verdict
BetGenius backs Arsenal or Draw (Double Chance) at 77% confidence — a strong call. Total goals: Under 2.5 Goals.
Match preview
Nottingham Forest welcome Arsenal to the City Ground looking to arrest a difficult start to the campaign that has left them in 15th position with five points from six matches. The hosts have struggled for attacking rhythm on home soil, failing to score in all three of their home league outings while recording one draw and two defeats. Their defensive structure has kept those contests tight, conceding only twice at home, but missing Igor Jesus, Nikola Milenkovic, and Nicolo Savona poses additional challenges.
Arsenal arrive sitting second in the table with 15 points, having claimed victory in five of their opening six Premier League matches. While their home form has been flawless, their away results have been more variable, including a 3-0 loss at Brighton alongside victories at Sunderland and Ipswich. The Gunners also contend with notable fitness concerns, with William Saliba, Piero Hincapie, Christos Tzolis, and Martin Zubimendi sidelined through injury.
Recent history between these two sides at the City Ground suggests a closely contested encounter. The last two head-to-head fixtures at Nottingham Forest ended in goalless stalemates, highlighting the hosts ability to stifle Arsenal's attack on their own patch.
Key factors
- Nottingham Forest have failed to score in all three of their home Premier League matches this season
- Arsenal have won five of their six league fixtures to sit second in the standings
- The last two meetings between these teams at the City Ground ended in 0-0 draws
- Both teams enter the contest with key defensive injuries, including Saliba for Arsenal and Milenkovic for Forest
- Head-to-head records show both teams scored in only 20 percent of their last ten encounters
Team news
Nottingham Forest
- Igor JesusCalf Injury
- N. SavonaKnee Injury
Arsenal
- W. SalibaBack Injury
- C. TzolisHamstring Injury
- P. HincapieAnkle Injury
- B. SakaThigh Injury
Statistical comparison
Combined scoring rate: 1 goals per game (Nottingham Forest at home plus Arsenal away).
Key players this season
Arsenal
- D. Rice4A
League scoring and assist totals for this season — not a predicted lineup. Availability is only shown where team news names the same player.
Table context
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester CityPromotion - Champions League (League phase) | 7 | +12 | 21 |
| 2 | ArsenalPromotion - Champions League (League phase) | 7 | +6 | 18 |
| 3 | BrightonPromotion - Champions League (League phase) | 7 | +18 | 16 |
| 4 | ChelseaPromotion - Champions League (League phase) | 7 | +4 | 13 |
| 5 | LiverpoolPromotion - Europa League (League phase) | 7 | +1 | 12 |
| 14 | Crystal Palace | 7 | -8 | 7 |
| 15 | Bournemouth | 7 | -4 | 6 |
| 16 | Tottenham | 7 | -4 | 6 |
| 17 | Nottingham Forest | 8 | -4 | 6 |
| 18 | CoventryRelegation - Championship | 7 | -8 | 6 |
| 19 | FulhamRelegation - Championship | 7 | -3 | 5 |
| 20 | SunderlandRelegation - Championship | 7 | -8 | 4 |
Head-to-head
- 2
- Nottingham Forest
- 2
- Draws
- 6
- Arsenal
Arsenal have won 6 of the last 10 meetings, averaging 2.0 goals a game.
- 2026-10-18Nottingham Forest0-1Arsenal
- 2026-01-17Nottingham Forest0-0Arsenal
- 2025-09-13Arsenal3-0Nottingham Forest
- 2025-02-26Nottingham Forest0-0Arsenal
- 2024-11-23Arsenal3-0Nottingham Forest
Our record in Premier League
Settled results only — every published pick is recorded win or lose. Full track record →
Based on at least 20 settled predictions.1 published market
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Published October 16, 2026. Form, team news and table context refresh automatically.

