Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest tips and predictions: Arsenal's struggles could lead to a thriller

By James Walters

Arsenal state of play

Arsenal are winless in their last four Premier League games and they'll be desperate to take all three points as they return to the Emirates Stadium after the international break.

The Gunners find themselves in fourth place after their recent dip in form. Many expected them to be fighting with Manchester City at the top of the table, however, Mikel Arteta's side are nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal are unbeaten at home this season (won three, drawn two) and they'll be eager to keep that run going. They've also scored 12 times in those five outings.

Nottingham Forest state of play

Despite suffering a 3-1 home defeat against Newcastle before the international break, Nottingham Forest have been the surprise package in the Premier League.

Nuno Espírito Santo's side are fifth in the table and they'd won three in a row before the Newcastle loss, while also pulling off an impressive victory at Liverpool in September.

Forest are still unbeaten on the road in the league (won three, drawn two) and they'll fancy their chances of causing Arsenal problems.

Key talking point: Goals in the air in north London?

By Arsenal’s high standards over the last couple of years, they’re in a tough spot, however, their home games have been action packed this season.

They played out a 2-2 thriller with Liverpool last month and prior to that they beat Southampton 3-1 and Leicester 4-2 at the Emirates.

Arsenal have conceded in their last seven league games and they face a Forest side who are a constant threat.

FIRST’s top tip for Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

Over 2.5 goals at 18/25 (1.73) with Mr.Play

Arsenal have quality all over the pitch and they are also a major set piece threat. Forest’s attacking line of Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood are always causing problems.

The Gunners’ average 3.6 home league goals and Forest have scored 11 times in their last seven outings.

Extra tips

Both teams to score at 23/20 (2.15) with Mr.Play

BTTS has landed in five of Arsenal's last seven league matches and Forest have scored eight times in their last four games.

Martin Ødegaard anytime assist at 5/2 (3.50) with Mr.Play

Arsenal welcomed back their captain Martin Ødegaard at Chelsea and he set up their goal. Most of their attacks will go through the Norwegian playmaker.

Correct Score: 2-1 at 143/20 (8.15) with Mr.Play

Arsenal are desperate to get back to winning ways but they face a dangerous Forest side who will look to hit them on the counter attack.

Team news

Arsenal will be hoping Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are fit after pulling out of the England squad. However, Arteta could be without Leandro Trossard after he was forced off for Belgium.

Ben White is out for up to eight weeks (knee surgery) but Riccardo Calafiori could return. Raheem Sterling will be back in the squad after being ineligible to face Chelsea.

Forest may only be missing midfielder Danilo, with Ibrahim Sangare set to return to the squad.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest predicted line-ups

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Merino, Ødegaard; Saka, Martinelli, Havertz (4-3-3)

Nottingham Forest: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Wood (4-2-3-1)

Form guide (all competitions)

Arsenal: WWWLWDWLLD 

Nottingham Forest: DDWDLDWWWL

Odds correct at the time of writing.