Nottingham Forest return to Premier League action on Saturday, January 17, 2026. They will host table-toppers Arsenal at the City Ground in a fixture shaped by contrasting momentum and pressure at opposite ends of the table. Forest are arriving having steadied themselves slightly above the relegation zone.
But their recent performances across competitions underline ongoing structural issues, particularly at home. Meanwhile, Arsenal continue to juggle domestic and cup ambitions while holding first place in the league. And this trip north comes amid fixture congestion.
Especially quickly after their EFL Cup semi-final first leg win over Chelsea. The matchup pits Forest’s reactive, physical approach against one of the league’s most efficient possession-based attacks, with title implications for the visitors and survival priorities for the hosts.
You can find more of our soccer predictions on our main picks hub. Here’s how we’re betting Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal tonight, including our Best Bet, a Same-Game Parlay, and key trends to know.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Match Details
Competition: Premier League
Date & kickoff: Saturday, January 17, 2026 – 12:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM GT
Venue: The City Ground, Nottinghamshire, England
Expected XIs: Nottingham Forest 4-2-3-1 vs Arsenal 4-3-3
Best Bet for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
Our best bet for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal is BTTS: Yes at -140 (BetMGM) / -118 (FanDuel).
Backing Both Teams to Score: No is rooted in Arsenal’s defensive consistency and Forest’s ongoing attacking limitations, particularly against top-six opposition. Across their last 10 Premier League matches, Arsenal have conceded just eight goals. They’re producing an average xGA of approximately 0.92 per match.
That defensive output has been driven by elite ball retention, aggressive counter-pressing, and the centre-back pairing anchored by William Saliba. He ranks among the league leaders in aerial duel success and progressive pass prevention. Forest’s offensive profile tells a different story. Over their last 10 league fixtures, they have averaged just 0.98 expected goals per match.
They’ve failed to score in five of those outings. Their struggles are magnified at the City Ground. They have already lost six league matches this season and generated fewer than 10 shots in four of those defeats. The absence of Chris Wood further reduces Forest’s penalty-area presence. It forces them to rely heavily on wide transitions and second-phase chances rather than sustained pressure.
The recent head-to-head data reinforces this angle. Forest have failed to score in their last three Premier League meetings with Arsenal. It includes a 3-0 defeat at the Emirates earlier this season where they managed only two shots on target and an xG below 0.5. With Arsenal likely to control territory and Forest content to sit deep, this matchup profiles as one-sided in terms of goalscoring contribution.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Prediction
Our pick: Arsenal to Win at -185 (BetMGM) / -195 (FanDuel)
Arsenal’s relatively short price in the moneyline market reflects both their league position and the underlying performance gap between the sides. The Gunners are entering this match with nine wins and one draw from their last 10 games in all competitions. They’re averaging 2.4 goals per match during that stretch.
They’re also maintaining one of the league’s best non-penalty xG differentials. Away from home, Arsenal have been particularly ruthless. They are on a five-match Premier League winning streak on the road. They’ve scored at least three goals in four of those fixtures. Their away xG average sits around 2.05.
It shows that they have an ability to create high-quality chances even in hostile environments. Mikel Arteta’s side have also shown improved game management this season, often killing off matches with extended possession spells once ahead. Forest’s recent league win over West Ham offered temporary relief.
But it does little to mask broader issues. They have lost five of their last six matches in all competitions and continue to concede high-value chances. Their xGA over the last 10 league games stands above 1.7 per match. Against top-half sides, Forest have struggled to progress the ball centrally, often surrendering territory and inviting pressure.
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Same-Game Parlay (Bet Builder) for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
Bet $100 to Win $793.10 (FanDuel) Total Goals Over 2.5 (-114) + Both Teams to Score: No (-118) + Viktor Gyokeres to score anytime (+120)
This parlay combines Arsenal’s attacking upside with Forest’s limited scoring projection. The over 2.5 goals leg is supported by Arsenal’s recent away matches. They have consistently produced multiple goals due to their aggressive positional play and willingness to commit numbers forward once they establish control.
The BTTS: No component aligns with Forest’s low attacking output against elite defences and Arsenal’s ability to restrict shot volume through midfield dominance. Arsenal concede few shots inside the box. It forces opponents into low-percentage efforts from distance. Viktor Gyokeres’ inclusion as an anytime goalscorer adds upside.
Since joining Arsenal, the Swede has averaged over 0.55 xG per 90 minutes in league play. He’s combining physicality with sharp off-ball movement. His goal and assist against Chelsea in midweek highlighted his form, and Forest’s centre-back unit has struggled against mobile forwards who attack space between full-back and centre-back channels.
This builder focuses on a likely Arsenal-led scoreline. With the visitors expected to dominate possession and chance creation, Gyokeres remains the most reliable finisher in high-volume attacking sequences. Forest’s defensive structure tends to collapse late when chasing games, increasing the probability of Arsenal adding goals without reply.
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Over 2.5: -110 / Under 2.5: -120Over 3.5: +225 / Under 3.5: -325
Over 2.5: -104 / Under 2.5: -118 Over 3.5: +250 / Under 3.5: -325
BTTS
Yes: -102 / No: -140
Yes: +102 / No: -130
Asian Handicap
Nottingham Forest +1.25: -154 Arsenal -1.25: +120 / -1.5: +155
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Draw No Bet
Nottingham Forest: +310 Arsenal: -500
Nottingham Forest: +400 Arsenal: -550
Double Chance
Nottingham Forest or Draw: +130 Arsenal or Draw: -700
Nottingham Forest or Draw: +145 Arsenal or Draw: -750
Trends to Know for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
Head-to-Head: Arsenal have kept clean sheets in their last three Premier League meetings with Forest, winning each by a margin of at least two goals.
Home Struggles: Forest have lost six Premier League matches at the City Ground this season, already exceeding their total home losses from the entire 2024-25 campaign.
Arsenal Away Form: The Gunners are on a five-game away winning streak in the league, averaging over three goals per match during that run.
Defensive Gap: Arsenal rank among the league’s top three for lowest xGA, while Forest sit in the bottom five over the same metric.
Fixture Context: Arsenal’s squad rotation is expected after midweek cup action, but their depth has consistently maintained performance levels across competitions.
Latest Injuries & Lineup News for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
In soccer, injuries and rotations can drastically alter how a match plays out, especially when it comes to BTTS, totals, and goalscorer markets. Navigating through a few key injuries in this clash, both coaches will look to lineup their strongest XI. Here are the players who are either doubtful or are set to miss out:
Team
Player
Status
Notes
Nottingham Forest
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Out
Ineligible
Nottingham Forest
Chris Wood
Out
Knee
Nottingham Forest
John Victor
Out
Knee
Arsenal
Riccardo Calafiori
Out
Muscle
Arsenal
Cristhian Mosquera
Out
Ankle
Arsenal
Max Dowman
Out
Ankle
Arsenal
Piero Hincapie
Out
Hamstring
Reminder: Always check confirmed lineups 60–75 minutes before kickoff, especially for goalscorer and BTTS markets.
How to watch – quick Q&A
What time is Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal?
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal kicks off at 12:30 PM ET on Saturday, January 17, 2026 (5:30 PM local UK time).
Where is the match being played?
The match will be played at the City Ground in Nottinghamshire, England.
How can I watch on TV / stream?
Broadcast rights vary by territory. In the US, the Premier League can be telecast on NBC Network and Telemundo. The match will be telecast on TNT Sports in the UK. The match will also be available to stream on these broadcasters’ official websites.
Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
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