Nottingham Forest - Arsenal predictions and free betting tips [30/01/2024]

On Tuesday 30th January, as part of the 22nd round of Premier League, Nottingham Forest will host Arsenal on their home ground. Last weekend, the Gunners thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0, while Nuno Espirito Santo's charges drew 0-0 with Bristol City in the 1/16 finals of the FA Cup last week. 

Predicted Lineups

Nottingham Forest: Turner; Montiel, Omobamidele, Murillo, Toffolo; Mangala, Yates; Gibbs-White, Danilo, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli. 

Stadium

The clash will take place in Nottingham at the City Ground Stadium.  

Nottingham Forest

As expected at the start of the season, Nottingham Forest are fighting to avoid relegation to the Championship, and currently, the team sit 16th in the Premier League table with one game in hand and a four-point gap to 18th-placed Luton. After going 7 rounds without a win (1 draw and 6 defeats) Forest duly notched two sensational victories over Newcastle (3-1) and Manchester United (2-1) just before the New Year.

However, in the last round, the red and whites stumbled, capitulating to Brentford (3-2) - a contentious goal from a free-kick was netted by Brentford's striker Ivan Toney. Last weekend, Nottingham Forest drew 0-0 with Bristol City in the 1/16 finals of the FA Cup, so the hosts await the replay. Overall, in six initial matches under Nuno Espirito, 26 shots were taken at Forest's goal, which cannot but worry fans. 

Arsenal

Last year Arsenal nearly became English champions, and this season they continue to eye Premier League gold medals. The Londoners currently sit third in the championship table, five points adrift of table-toppers Liverpool. After a very good start to the campaign, the Gunners lost pace and dropped several valuable points in late December, losing three times in five rounds (1 win and 1 draw). Last round, Mikel Arteta's charges returned to winning ways, thumping Crystal Palace 5-0 at home. Gabriel bagged a brace in the first half, followed by goals from Martinelli (twice) and Leandro Trossard.

It is essential to note that the visitors have not won any of the last three away Premier League fixtures - under Arteta, the Gunners have not had a longer string of unsuccessful results away from home. Having crashed out of the League Cup and FA Cup, Arsenal have reached the last 16 of the Champions League where they will face Porto in February. 

Head-to-head

Remembering a 1:0 defeat on City Ground last season, North London's representatives redeemed themselves, winning at Emirates (2:1) in the first round of this campaign. 

Match Prediction Nottingham Forest – Arsenal

For the whole of January, Arsenal played only two matches, so the Gunners will arrive at City Ground in excellent physical condition. Forest, on the contrary, are forced to play two games a week due to cup battles, and the hosts' lineup is weakened by injuries and players who have gone to the Africa Cup. Considering the tightness at the top of the league table, Londoners can't afford to stumble - otherwise, there's a risk of falling out of the Champions League quartet. My prediction - an Arsenal victory with a handicap of -1.

Total Prediction

As mentioned above, Forest is not without sin in defence, conceding on average 1.5 goals per game. Considering the motivation of the visiting team, it would be reasonable to wager on the goals by the Gunners. 

Corner Predictions

Arsenal are superior in class and will take control of the ball from the first minutes. The visitors will methodically break through the compact defence of the opponents via the flanks and will give at least six corners.                     

Yellow Card Predictions

The hosts earn an average of 2.5 yellows per match, while the Londoners earn 1.5. It's clear that the Foresters will earn more cautions.                            

Score Prediction

I'm placing a bet on a precise score of 0:2 in favour of Arsenal.