Our Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal prediction is an Arsenal win in a low-scoring game, with 0-1 or 0-2 the most likely scorelines. The Gunners travel to the City Ground on Sunday 18 October for a 6:30pm EAT kick-off, sitting second in the Premier League with 15 points from six games. Forest are 15th on five points and are still searching for their first home league win of the season under Oliver Glasner.
Arsenal will be without William Saliba, but Mikel Arteta’s side arrive in good form after back-to-back wins over Leeds and Lille. Here is everything you need to know before you place a bet.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal: Key Facts
- Competition: Premier League
- Date: Sunday 18 October 2026
- Kick-off: 6:30pm EAT
- Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
- Managers: Oliver Glasner (Nottingham Forest), Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
- League position: Arsenal 2nd, 15 points. Forest 15th, 5 points
- Forest league record: W1 D2 L3, scored 5, conceded 8
- Arsenal league record: W5 D0 L1, scored 10, conceded 5
Nottingham Forest Form: Struggling for Goals
Glasner arrived in the summer with a big reputation, but his first few months at the City Ground have been difficult. Forest have won just one of their six league matches, a 2-1 victory away at Aston Villa. They also earned an impressive 2-2 draw at Liverpool and a goalless draw at home to Tottenham.
Since then the results have dried up. A 1-0 home defeat by Coventry City was a blow, and they were beaten 3-1 at Crystal Palace last time out. Five goals in six games tells the story: Forest are not creating or finishing enough chances, and home form has been a particular concern.
Arsenal Form: Back on Track
Arsenal’s only league defeat so far was a surprise 3-0 loss at Brighton, and they have responded well. A 2-0 win at Sunderland was followed by a hard-fought 2-1 comeback against Leeds at the Emirates, and in midweek they began their Champions League campaign in style with a 3-0 win over Lille.
Arteta’s side have conceded only five league goals, and their ability to control games away from home will be vital at the City Ground. You can read our reports on the Arsenal 2-1 Leeds win and the Arsenal 3-0 Lille victory for more on their recent displays.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Team News
Nottingham Forest team news
Forest have three notable absentees. Defenders Nikola Milenkovic and Nicolo Savona are both out with knee problems, while striker Igor Jesus is sidelined with a calf injury. That leaves Glasner short of options at both ends of the pitch. Liam Delap is expected to lead the line, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Dan Ndoye supporting him.
Arsenal team news
Arsenal are without William Saliba, who has a back problem, and Christos Tzolis is out with a thigh injury. Saliba’s absence is a big one, as he is central to Arteta’s defensive structure. Gabriel should still start at centre-back, while Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice are all expected to feature.
Key Players to Watch
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
Gibbs-White remains Forest’s creative heartbeat. He has been the side’s main chance creator this season and has a goal and two assists to his name. If Forest are to cause an upset, it will probably go through him.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Saka has three league goals and remains Arsenal’s most consistent attacking threat. He also scored in the midweek win over Lille, and Forest’s makeshift defence will have a tough job containing him.
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rice has three assists this season and is the engine of Arteta’s midfield. His set piece delivery could be important against a Forest side missing two first-choice defenders.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Prediction
Arsenal are clear favourites, and the evidence supports that. Forest are low on confidence, missing key defenders and have struggled to score. Arsenal, even without Saliba, have one of the best defensive records in the league and have shown they can win tight games.
That said, we do not expect a goal fest. Forest are likely to sit deep and frustrate, and Arsenal’s away league wins this season have come by one or two goals. An Arsenal win with under 3.5 goals offers a sensible balance between safety and value.
- Main tip: Arsenal to win
- Alternative: Arsenal to win and under 3.5 goals
- Correct score: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal
For the full data breakdown, visit our Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal prediction page. Fixture details and the live table are on the official Premier League website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal in Kenya?
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal kicks off at 6:30pm EAT on Sunday 18 October 2026 at the City Ground.
Is William Saliba playing against Nottingham Forest?
No. William Saliba is out with a back injury, and Christos Tzolis is also missing for Arsenal.
Who is the Nottingham Forest manager?
Oliver Glasner is the Nottingham Forest head coach. He joined the club in the summer of 2026 after leaving Crystal Palace.
Who will win Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal?
Arsenal are favourites given their form and Forest’s injuries. Our prediction is a narrow 0-1 Arsenal win.
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