Football
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: February 27, 2025 Kickoff Time (UK): 12:30 AM Venue: The City Ground Should Arsenal manage to win this game, they would be eight points off Liverpool in top spot. This, after they lost to West Ham at the weekend, would be a sore spot for Mikel Arteta and his chargers. Forest are just six points behind Arsenal though, they have had an incredible season and finishing second would be a huge achievement for them! There is certainly a lot on the line here, making it an exciting fixture for those following top online betting sites for the best odds and markets.
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Murillo celebrates Orel Mangala's goal//Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Home: 29/10 (3.9) – 24%
Draw: 2/1 (3.0) – 27%
Away: 1/1 (2.0) – 49%
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (Premier League)
23/11/2024: Arsenal 3–0 Nottingham Forest
30/01/2024: Nottingham Forest 1–2 Arsenal
12/08/2023: Arsenal 2–1 Nottingham Forest
20/05/2023: Nottingham Forest 1–0 Arsenal
30/10/2022: Arsenal 5–0 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest Current Form – LWWLL
Forest come into this game off the back of losses to Fulham and Newcastle. It is crazy to think that even after those defeats, they remain in the league position they have though. Many Premier League betting sites have tipped Forest to qualify for the Champions League next season – and currently that looks to be the case.
Forest now host an Arsenal side who will be kicking themselves after dropping points at home to West Ham, but the hosts will no doubt back themselves here and if they play with their usual confidence, it would be difficult to just simply write them off.
Key Players to Watch
- Murillo: He is a young defender, but at just 22-years-old, the Brazilian has quickly become an incredible defender in the league. Robust and intelligent, he has largely been part of the success of this Forest season – and he will no doubt welcome the challenge of Arsenal.
- Nikola Milenkovic: A partner for Murillo in defence, he is another cog that has been brilliant for his club. Contributing to the defensive stability at Forest, he can play with his feet and isn’t shy to drive his side up the field. Keep an eye out for him here.
- Callum Hudson-Odoi: What a season he is currently enjoying. An incredibly influential player in the Forest attack, Hudson-Odoi has found his goalscoring form and been formidable in this forest attack. Arsenal will no doubt be wary of giving him too much time and space.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Carlos Miguel (hamstring injury) is the only concern for this encounter.
Arsenal Current Form – WWLWL
Arsenal couldn’t get over the line against West Ham at home over the weekend and naturally questions about handling the pressure of a title race began to crop up again. Had they beaten West Ham, Liverpool’s lead would have been pegged back to five points.
West Ham, without taking anything away from them, didn’t exactly play out of their socks, but in fairness, they didn’t need to. Arsenal wasn’t clinical enough and never really looked as though they could put the game to bed.
Key Players to Watch
- Ethan Nwaneri: He is a youngster who has been incredibly impressive this season. Racking up seven goals in the league and assisting one, he has taken his opportunity under Mikel Arteta with both hands in the absence of some of their key attacking threats. They will be hoping for another big performance here.
- Mikel Merino: He is another name which has become a key figure in Arsenal’s attack this season. Contributing to their success by way of goals and assists, his movement and confidence up front has been exceptional.
- Martin Odegaard: The midfielder serves as the club captain and is truly the leader and creative force in the middle of the pitch. You talk about player who, when they are in the starting eleven, make the team better – he is truly one of them.
Arsenal Team News
Bukayo Saka (hamstring injury), Gabriel Jesus (cruciate ligament injury), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee injury), Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring injury), Kai Havertz (hamstring injury) and Myles Lewis-Skelly (straight red card) are all unavailable.
Predicted Line-Up
Nottingham Forest, 4-2-3-1: Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Dominguez, Anderson, Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Wood.
Arsenal, 4-3-3: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Magalhaes, Calafori, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Merino, Nwaneri, Trossard.
Suggested Bets
Our suggested bets for those who wants to bet on football are listed below.
Nottingham Forest Win/Draw Double Chance: Forest have a solid home record this season and whilst there is no doubt they come up against a quality side here – we think they come away with something. 15/20 (1.75) with BetWinner
Both Teams to Score (Yes): Both teams boast incredible attacking ability. We think backing both teams to score is among the bankers of the midweek affair. 9/10 (1.9) with BetWinner
Over 2.5 Goals: If you prefer, back another attacking angle for these two teams in over 2.5 goals. 21/20 (2.1) with BetWinner
Value Bets
Draw: This is a lot closer than people are seemingly suggesting. We anticipate a really close game which could very well end up as a draw. Take advantage of the value. 2/1 (3.0) with Betway
Nottingham Forest (Most Match Bookings): An intense affair, Arsenal to enjoy the lion’s share of the ball and Forest to work as hard as they always do. Back the hosts to find the most names in the referees book. 5/4 (2.25) with Betway
First Half Draw: Back the early stalemate at generous odds. 21/20 (2.1) with Betway
Prediction: Nottingham Forest Win/Draw Double Chance
The hosts have enjoyed a really good season, but in particular, have played really well at home. They face an Arsenal side who seem unable to handle the pressure of the title race – back the hosts to come away from this encounter with something to show for it.
Ryan Liberty is an experienced sports writer whose articles have featured in some of the biggest sports publications in South Africa. With a strong understanding of all major sports and an in-depth understanding of betting, Ryan consistently delivers insightful content. He's also known for his ability to break down complex topics into engaging, reader-friendly pieces.
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