The Premier League Matchday 27 encounter between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal will be held on February 26 at the City Ground Stadium. Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest had a tough time in their last two away matches. They first lost to Fulham (1-2) and then fell to Newcastle (3-4). Notably, Nuno Espírito Santo's men were trailing 1-4 by the 35th minute in the latter match but managed to pull back two goals. This was only the second time in the current championship that Nottingham Forest lost two consecutive matches. However, the club retained third place and maintained a three-point lead over their nearest rival.
- Three or more goals have been scored in Nottingham Forest's last five Premier League matches.
- Nottingham Forest has not lost in 9 of their last 12 Premier League games (8 wins and 1 draw).
- The club has not conceded in the first half in their last 10 home league matches.
Predicted lineup for Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
Matz Sels – Ola Aina, Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Neco Williams – Elliot Anderson, Nicolas Dominguez – Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi – Chris Wood.
Arsenal
The Gunners suffered a 0-1 home defeat to West Ham in the previous round. Before this, the club was unbeaten in 15 league matches, securing 10 wins and 5 draws. This loss also ended their nine-game scoring streak in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta's side retained second place in the standings and boasts the best defense in the league with only 23 goals conceded.
- At least two goals have been scored in 6 of Arsenal's last 8 Premier League games.
- The Londoners have not lost in their last eight away league matches (5 wins and 3 draws).
- The Gunners have conceded only one goal in the second half of their last seven away Premier League games.
Predicted lineup for Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya – Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, Jurriën Timber – Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard – Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard.
Forwards Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka, as well as defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, will miss the game due to injuries. Defender Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended for this match.
Referee
Andy Madley (England)
Matches – 13 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 53;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 15%.
Match Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal
The loss of key forwards Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka has impacted the Gunners' performance. In their last match, the team not only lost but also failed to score. I believe the club will drop points again due to evident issues in their attacking lineup.
Nottingham Forest has struggled in their last three away league matches, suffering defeats, but they remain a formidable opponent at home. In their last nine home Premier League games, the club secured 7 wins and 1 draw, losing only to Newcastle. Nuno Espírito Santo's side has conceded more than one goal at home only twice this season. Therefore, it will be challenging for the Londoners not only to earn points at the City Ground but also to score.
My prediction – Nottingham Forest to win or draw
