Football Prediction | Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest | Premier League 2025/26 | September 13 – Can Arsenal Stay in the Title Race, or Will Forest Cut Them Down?

The Emirates Stadium will host an exciting clash as Arsenal welcome Nottingham Forest in a battle between a title contender and a side eager to prove their resilience. Arsenal will look to extend their strong home form, driven by their dynamic attack and solid midfield core. Nottingham Forest, however, have shown they can challenge stronger opponents with their physicality and counter-attacking play. This promises to be a game of contrasting styles and intriguing individual battles.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Form Guide

Arsenal

Arsenal have started the season with consistency, combining defensive stability with creative flair. Viktor Gyökeres has been pivotal as their goal scorer, supported by the width and pace of Martinelli and Madueke. In midfield, Rice and Zubimendi provide balance between control and transitions. The Gunners will aim to dominate possession and dictate the tempo at home.

Nottingham

Nottingham Forest come into this game with a combination of tenacity and attacking Express. Chris Wood remains the team’s primary goal scoring threat, while Hudson-Odoi and Gibbs-White offer creativity and pace in attack. Sangaré, who will play as the team’s holding midfielder, will give the team defensive cover with his physicality. Forest will try to cause Arsenal problems with their transitions and set pieces.

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Arsenal vs Nottingham Key Battles

Gyökeres vs Wood

Viktor Gyökeres has been in fine form, offering Arsenal both clinical finishing and the ability to link play. His movement in and around the box makes him a constant danger for defenders. Chris Wood, on the other hand, brings power and aerial dominance, making him Forest’s focal point. The outcome of this battle may determine which side takes control in attack.

Calafiori vs Ndoye

Riccardo Calafiori has impressed with his overlapping runs and defensive discipline, often providing attacking contributions from the back. His duel with Ndoye, who offers direct runs and goal involvement for Forest, will be key on the flank. If Calafiori can neutralize Ndoye while supporting Arsenal’s attack, it will tilt the game in Arsenal’s favor. However, if Ndoye finds space, Forest could carve out dangerous chances.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Tactical Outlook

Arsenal will focus on ball control and pressing high up the pitch. The midfield duo of Rice and Zubimendi will look to dominate central areas, allowing Ødegaard-like creativity from deeper playmakers. Wide players like Martinelli and Madueke will stretch Forest’s defense to create room for Gyökeres. Expect Arsenal to push for early dominance to unsettle their visitors.

Nottingham Forest will likely approach with a compact defensive structure and sharp counters. Sangaré will be crucial in breaking up play and shielding the defense. Hudson-Odoi and Gibbs-White will provide quick outlets to transform into attack. Forest’s strategy will revolve around frustrating Arsenal and capitalizing on set pieces or moments of space.

Head-to-Head Encounters

Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have a long history together, and in recent terms Arsenal have had the upper hand, especially at the Emirates, where they have historically been in charge when playing Forest. That said, Forest have caused some surprises as well, especially in domestic competitions, where they are also capable of raising their game in bigger encounters such as this match. This certainly has the potential for another great competitive chapter between the two teams.

Injury News and Suspensions

Arsenal

Arsenal face a few injury challenges ahead of the game. Ben White and Christian Nørgaard are doubts due to minor knocks, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are sidelined until late September. William Saliba is expected to return from an ankle injury by mid-September, while Leandro Trossard remains a doubt. Kai Havertz is also out with a knee injury until early October.

Nottingham

Similarly, Forest has their own fitness issues to worry about. Cuiabano is recovering from a sprained ankle and may be back in the next few days. Nicolás Dominguez has a longer absence with a meniscus injury until early October. Nicolo Savona is a doubt with a knock, which limits the options for the Forest midfield. 

Arsenal vs Nottingham Possible Playing Squad

Arsenal

Raya (GK), Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Zubimendi, Merino, Madueke, Gyökeres, Martinelli

Nottingham Forest

Sels (GK), Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Sangaré, Anderson, Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Wood

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

Arsenal’s quality in attack and midfield control should give them the edge, especially at home. Forest will fight hard but may struggle to keep Arsenal’s forwards quiet across 90 minutes.

Score Prediction

Arsenal 2–0 Nottingham Forest – Gyökeres and Martinelli to get on the scoresheet. Forest will defend deep but may lack the firepower to respond.

Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.