The Premier League Matchday 27 clash between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal will take place on February 26 at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Nottingham Forest
The Nottingham side had a tough time in their last two away fixtures. They first suffered a 1-2 defeat to Fulham, followed by a 3-4 loss to Newcastle. Notably, Nuno Espírito Santo's team was trailing 1-4 by the 35th minute in the latter match but managed to pull back two goals. This marks only the second time this season that Nottingham Forest has lost back-to-back matches. Despite this, the club retains third place with a three-point cushion over their nearest competitor.
- Three or more goals have been scored in the last five Premier League matches involving Nottingham Forest.
- Nottingham Forest has avoided defeat in 9 of their last 12 Premier League matches (8 wins, 1 draw).
- The team has not conceded in the first half of their last 10 home league games.
Predicted lineup for Nottingham Forest (4-3-3)
Nick Pope – Lewis Hall, Valentino Livramento, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn – Joseph Willock, Bruno Guimarães, Lewis Miley – Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy.
Forward Joelinton and defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles will miss the match due to injuries.
Arsenal
The Gunners were defeated 0-1 at home by West Ham in their last outing. Before this, the club had gone 15 league matches unbeaten, securing 10 wins and 5 draws. Their nine-game scoring streak in the Premier League also came to an end. Mikel Arteta's side remains in second place in the standings and boasts the best defense in the Premier League, having conceded just 23 goals.
- At least two goals have been scored in 6 of Arsenal's last 8 Premier League matches.
- The London side is unbeaten in their last eight away league matches (5 wins, 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, along with defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, are sidelined due to injuries. Defender Miles Lewis-Skelly is suspended.
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%.
Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal: Match Prediction
The loss of four key forwards – Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka – has inevitably impacted the Gunners' performance. In their last match, they not only lost but also failed to score. I believe the team will drop points again due to their evident attacking issues.
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 has 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 secure points at the City Ground but also to score.
My prediction – "Nottingham Forest win or draw"
