Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal: Preview, Prediction & Lineups

Arsenal return to Premier League action as they travel to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon.

The Gunners secured a huge victory in their last outing as they managed a 3-2 win away to Chelsea in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final meeting. Ben White, Viktor Gyökeres and Martín Zubimendi all got on the scoresheet to put their side in control ahead of the second leg at Emirates Stadium.

Forest fell to a shock defeat in the FA Cup when they lost on penalties to Wrexham. A heroic brace from Callum Hudson-Odoi late on ensured the tie ended 3-3 and went to extra-time, but the Reds couldn't go all the way as they fell 4-3 in the shootout.

This is a crucial clash at either end of the table with Arsenal looking to increase their lead at the top of the league table while Forest will be eager to increase the gap between themselves and the relegation zone.

Here's our preview of the Gunners' trip to the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal: Preview, Prediction & Lineups

What time does Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal kick off?

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal kicks off on Saturday 17 January at 17:30 GMT.

When is kick off? Saturday 17 January, 2026
What time is kick off? 17:30 GMT
Where is it played? City Ground
Referee: Michael Oliver

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Nottingham Forest team news

Arsenal fans won't be seeing familiar face Oleksandr Zinchenko as he is ineligible to face his parent club, but given his loan is likely being cut short this month, he won't have started anyway.

Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare will be available for selection again after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, as will Ryan Yates, who has returned to full training after suffering a thigh injury.

Chris Wood and John Victor remain on the sideline though as they both battle knee injuries.

Predicted Nottingham Forest lineup vs Arsenal: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Dominguez; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus

Arsenal team news

Arteta received two big fitness boots for the trip to Chelsea, with Leandro Trossard and William Saliba both returning to the starting XI after initially being doubts for the trip to Stamford Bridge.

There are no fresh injury concerns for this trip, but the Spaniard did confirm in his pre-match press conference that there is someone who could miss out, but he was reluctant to say who it was as he awaited a meeting with the medical staff.

If all is well, he will be able to field the same lineup that started against Chelsea, with the sole change being between the sticks as David Raya replaces Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Nottingham Forest: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal score prediction

This certainly has the potential to be a good matchup with plenty at stake for both sides. Arsenal are looking to go a step closer to winning the league while Forest are eager to maintain their Premier League status.

Sean Dyche's setup could be tough for the Gunners to break down, just as it has been in previous years, but Arteta's side are the strong favourites for this one.

This could be one of the less pretty wins for Arsenal, but they will take another crucial three points at the City Ground.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal