Arsenal can solidify their position at the top of the Premier League table with a victory against Nottingham Forest. Despite a recent goalless draw against Liverpool, the Gunners have found their stride again with back-to-back wins over Portsmouth and Chelsea in cup competitions.
This season, Arsenal has faced few challenges, only losing twice, with their last encounter against Nottingham Forest ending in a commanding 3-0 victory back in September, where Martín Zubbimendi scored twice. Currently, Arsenal stands ready to capitalize on any slip-ups from their closest competitors, Manchester City and Aston Villa, who are both in action over the weekend.
Nottingham Forest, while seven points clear of the relegation zone, face the challenge of maintaining their momentum after just one win in their last five league matches—most notably a crucial victory against West Ham United. Any points earned against Arsenal could be vital in their struggle to ensure safety in the league.
The match kicks off at 5:30 p.m. GMT on Saturday, January 17, at the City Ground in Nottingham. Fans can catch the game on various channels, including TNT Sports in the UK and NBC in the US.
On the injury front for Nottingham Forest, Chris Wood remains out due to a knee issue, alongside John Victor. Oleksandr Zinchenko will also miss the clash, being ineligible to face his parent club. However, Ryan Yates is back in training, and key players Ibrahim Sangaré and Willy Boly have returned from international duty.
Arsenal’s squad appears to be in good shape, with only Piero Hincapié struggling to recover from an injury sustained in the draw against Liverpool. Manager Mikel Arteta indicated the potential for returning players and is likely to field a strong lineup similar to that which beat Chelsea.
With confidence running high in the Arsenal camp, the prediction leans towards a solid 2-0 win for the Gunners. Given Forest’s scoring struggles—averaging just one goal per match this season—Arsenal is expected to command the game and possibly secure a clean sheet in front of their away supporters.
This match provides both teams with a significant opportunity to either enhance their standings or alleviate relegation fears, making for an engaging encounter in the Premier League.