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Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: January 17, 2026 Venue: The City Ground Kickoff Time: 19:30 This is not just another three points, but a significant boost for both teams as Nottingham aims to create space between them and the red zone, while league leaders Arsenal will be determined to extend their slender lead at the top of the table. Premier League betting fans can get ready for a fixture that is far from straightforward and great odds ahead of kickoff. The atmosphere in the City Ground will be electric as Forest fans know their side sits in a precarious position and is fighting to climb clear of relegation trouble. Meanwhile, the visiting Gunners outfit arrives buoyed by strong form and firmly in the hunt for league honours as the season reaches its crucial stretch. Under the flood lights beside the River Trent, this is the kind of evening that captures the essence of English football.

Marc Strydom
Marc Strydom

Last updated: 2026-01-13

Chad Nagel

7 minutes read

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Felipe Morato of Nottingham Forest (left) and Viktor Gyokeres

Felipe Morato (left) and Viktor Gyokeres/ Getty Images

On 17 January 2026, Nottingham Forest will welcome league leaders Arsenal to the City Ground in a fixture loaded with contrasts, consequences, and three vital points. With the stands packed, the noise rising, and two clubs at very different stages of their journeys this season, all the ingredients are in place for a compelling Premier League showdown. 

Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability

  1. HOME (NOTTINGHAM): 23/5 (5.60) – 17.9% 

  2. DRAW: 33/10 (4.30) – 23.3%

  3. AWAY (ARSENAL): 29/50 (1.58) – 63.3%

    Odds courtesy of Xyes.com, subject to change.

Head-To-Head Record

Last five meetings (All Competitions)

  1. 13/09/2025: Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham

  2. 26/02/2025: Nottingham 0-0 Arsenal 

  3. 23/11/2024: Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham 

  4. 30/01/2024: Nottingham 1-2 Arsenal 

  5. 12/08/2023: Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham 

Nottingham Forest Current Form – DWLLL

Despite a turbulent start to the season, Nottingham Forest has undergone a noticeable revival under Sean Dyche, and the difference on the pitch is clear. However, the battle is far from over. Forest still find themselves dangerously close to the relegation zone, and climbing out of danger will be a collective effort. If Forest can stay focused and turn good performances into points, they can achieve this fate. 

Coming into this fixture, Forest have seen defensive frailties exposed and victories hard to come by. A tight match against City turned on the Tricky Tress as the Citizens put in a strong second-half performance to claim all three points. In another strong performance, Nottingham failed to break down an injury-hit Everton side, further highlighting their lack of cutting edge in a disappointing defeat.

Hoping to enter the new year with renewed energy and a positive mindset, Forest suffered another setback after Aston Villa handed them their third defeat in succession. After a poor run of results, expectations were on Dyche and his men to respond, which they did against West Ham, but they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Wrexham on penalties. With pressure starting to build, Forest will now hope they can upset the odds against Arsenal. 

Key Players to Watch

  • Morgan Gibbs-White: Gibbs-White is an all-action midfielder who constantly causes chaos. He loves to influence the game in all phases, where he can have the freedom to create and attack with intent. His movement and clinical finishing make him a serious goal threat for Nottingham. 
  • Elliot Anderson: Anderson is the sort of player who adds real value in attack. Clever in tight spaces, quick with combinations, and willing to take opponents on. With sharp vision and a knack for sparking chances, he’s one of those midfielders who can turn the tide of a match in an instant.  
  • Igor Jesus: After adapting and getting up to speed with the Premier League, Jesus has become a force in the final third. Whether as a central target man or drifting wide to carve out space, he combines strength, pace, and deadly finishing, making him a tough forward to face. 

Nottingham Team News

Forest is lucky at this point of the season to have no serious injury concerns to any of their more important players. Willy Boly and Ibrahima Sangare are both away on international duty. 

Arsenal Current Form – WDWWW

Arsenal is leading the Premier League with confidence, carrying pressure like fuel rather than a burden. Mikel Arteta has shaped a fearless, fast-moving side that thrives on possession, intensity, and attacking ambition. This season, the Gunners have clicked into something special, a confident, cohesive unit ready for whatever comes next. 

The last five games have seen Arsenal overcome challenges and stand firmly as they maintain their place at the summit of the league table. In a tightly contested game against Brighton, the Gunners held on for a narrow victory, showing their competitive sharpness even when not completely in control. Back at the Emirates, Arteta’s men were ruthless and dismantled Aston Villa to make it back-to-back home wins.

Arsenal then opened the new year on the road with a thrilling victory at Bournemouth, showing resilience despite the Cherries’ continuous pressure. Defeating Liverpool was a significant psychological and confidence booster, which was followed by two cup fixtures, Portsmouth in the FA Cup, and a London derby against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semifinals. With tough games on the Horizon, Arteta will be eager to collect maximum points in this fixture against the Tricky Trees. 

Key Players To Watch

  • Leandro Trossard: Trossard is more than just a utility attacker. He’s a creative engine and attacking glue for Arsenal. Whether starting or coming off the bench, his goals, assists, versatility, and tactical discipline make him one of Arteta’s most reliable and crucial offensive weapons.  
  • Declan Rice: Rice has developed into the heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield, combining defensive strength, ball progression, leadership, and an increasingly influential attacking presence. He has also become a significant scoring threat while being the anchor of this team, making him invaluable to the Gunners. 
  • Bukayo Saka: Saka is at the center of Arsenal’s creative and attacking identity, making him the most prolific contributor in goals and assists. He thrives in one-on-one situations where he can drive at opponents or link up play to create openings and to cut inside to score with powerful finishes.  

Arsenal Team News

Cristhian Mosquera (ankle) and Riccardo Calafiori (muscle) are both in the final stages of their recovery and close to returning, which will add strength and depth to Arsenal’s squad. Max Dowman (ankle) is still recovering from his ankle ligament injury, and his expected return is early next month. 

Predicted Line-Up

  1. Nottingham Forest: 4-2-3-1
    Sels, Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Luiz, Anderson, Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Ndoye, Jesus.

  2. Arsenal: 4-3-3
    Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres.

Suggested Bets from Xyes.com

Armed with sharp insights and tips ahead of kickoff, you can analyze both teams, understand the momentum, and make informed selections to tip the balance in your favour.

  1. Both Teams To Score (Yes): Forest often concedes and still finds the net, while Arsenal are deadly in attack and have shown errors in defence leading up to goals. 87/100 (1.87)

  2. Totals (Over 2.5): Both sides have been involved in relatively high-scoring games, and Arsenal’s attack can break open games while Forest’s defence has shown leaks. 22/25 (1.88)

  3. Total Corners (Over 9.5): The Gunners focus their attacks down the flanks, resulting in corners when kept out, and Forest usually generates moderate corners at home as set-pieces are a big part of their game. 19/25 (1.76)

Value Bets from Xyes.com

Where a powerful platform meets outstanding value, the potential rises, and every opportunity feels bigger. 

  1. Arsenal Goal Scorer (Viktor Gyokeres): This could be the fixture Gyokeres rewards himself with a much-needed goal, as he has put in good performances in recent weeks. 5/2 (3.50)

  2. Half Time/Full Time (Draw/Arsenal): Forest will be tough to break down at home, but the Gunners are well-equipped to take this game by the scruff of the neck and collect maximum points. 16/5 (4.20)

  3. Arsenal Clean Sheet (Yes): With arguably the best defence in the Premier League and one of the best defensive records, if the Gunners shape up well, Forest may struggle to score. 5/4 (2.25)

Prediction: Arsenal To Win

Nottingham will make this fixture uncomfortable for Arsenal, especially at the City Ground. The atmosphere, physical duels, and early pressure will all play a part. But the Gunners’ midfield control, tactical maturity, abundance of attacking quality, and defensive stability will give them the clear advantage. If Arsenal stay patient, manage emotions, and impose their overwhelming style, then they will be well on their way to collecting a vital three points. 

Marc Strydom
Marc StrydomSports Writer

Marc Strydom is a dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting industry, mostly as a Chief Editor of a sports betting publication in South Africa. While Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, football and NBA are his favourites. His articles feature on multiple top-rated platforms, covering a wide range of topics.

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