Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Prediction, Preview, Team News and Lineups 26.02.2025

• Date and Time: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 20:30 GMT+1
• Venue: City Ground, Nottingham, England

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Preview and Team News 

Nottingham Forest Team News

Forest have been impressive this season, defying expectations by climbing into the top three. 

Their recent form has been a study in extremes: on the one hand, they produced a stunning 7-0 demolition of Brighton that showcased their lethal attacking pace and dynamic wing play, while on the other hand, they suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Bournemouth – a result that exposed defensive vulnerabilities when under sustained pressure. 

Back home on Wednesday. 🏡 pic.twitter.com/hRjRDeHQ3S

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) February 24, 2025

A thrilling 4-3 loss to Newcastle in a pulsating contest further highlighted Forest’s willingness to take risks in attack, though it also underscored moments of defensive disorganization. 

These contrasting results have become a recurring theme; Nottingham Forest can be dominant at home, especially when their high-pressing 3-5-2 system is in full flow, yet they remain susceptible to counterattacks if their midfield is overrun. 

Nuno Espírito Santo has instilled a belief that his side can disrupt the established order, and their willingness to commit players forward has often allowed them to exploit spaces on the flanks. 

🗣️💬

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) February 24, 2025

Forest’s recent fixtures reveal a team that is continually evolving tactically, seeking to balance an aggressive attacking mindset with the discipline needed to defend set pieces and rapid transitions.

In terms of squad updates, there are no significant injury concerns reported, so Nuno Espírito Santo is expected to field a strong lineup.

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Danilo, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.

Arsenal Team News

Arsenal, currently sitting a few points adrift of the top contenders, come into this match with significant questions over their squad depth. The Gunners have been hit by an injury crisis that has forced manager Mikel Arteta into a reshuffle. 

Key attacking talents such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli have all been sidelined. Moreover, concerns over the long-term absence of Kai Havertz have put additional pressure on Arteta to reconfigure his forward line. 

Our January Goal of the Month winner… Ethan Nwaneri 👏

🤝 @Emirates pic.twitter.com/35NKEetiKp

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 23, 2025

Their recent slip-up at home against West Ham has only amplified worries about their attacking capabilities. In the match against West Ham, it was again noticeable that Arsenal are woefully lacking a scoring striker, due to which Arteta’s team failed to realize their big advantage in possession.

Also their inability to maintain consistency was evident in a prior 0-2 defeat to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup, indicating potential vulnerabilities against high-pressing teams.

Attention turns to Wednesday night. pic.twitter.com/1YohS5PQMc

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 23, 2025

The tactical balance has suffered as Arteta is forced to operate with a makeshift backline and a midfield that sometimes struggles to link the defense and attack seamlessly.

Bukayo Saka is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in December 2024. After surgery, he was expected to return in March, but recent updates suggest he may be out until April. Manager Mikel Arteta has expressed uncertainty about Saka’s availability for upcoming matches, including the Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven. 

💬 “Let’s go through the pain; let’s analyse, look at ourselves in the mirror and on Monday we go again.”

Mikel Arteta is keen for us to turn the page quickly with so many games still yet to play 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 22, 2025

Saka is expected to miss key outings, including Premier League games against Chelsea on March 16 and Fulham on April 1, with a potential return around mid-to-late April, possibly for the match against Brentford on April 12.

Myles Lewis-Skelly will not play due to suspension. Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kai Havertz will no longer be able to play this season.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard.

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Prediction 

• Pick: Both teams to score
• Odds: 1.86 (22Bet)
• Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Arsenal

Considering both teams’ recent performances, this match promises to be a closely contested affair. Nottingham Forest’s attacking threats, particularly from wide areas, could pose challenges to Arsenal’s full-backs. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s front three will look to exploit any defensive lapses from the home side.

Given Arsenal’s need to return to winning ways and Nottingham Forest’s commendable home form, this fixture is poised to be competitive. Arsenal’s superior individual quality might give them the edge, but Forest’s attacking strength, especially at home, cannot be underestimated.

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Prediction, Betting Tip

• Pick: Corners. Total Over 8.5
• Odds: 1.42 (22Bet)

Arsenal have shown a strong offensive presence this season, averaging 6.52 corners per game and conceding 2.77, totaling about 9.29 corners per match. Nottingham Forest averages 4.46 corners in their favor and concedes around 5.57, resulting in approximately 10.03 corners per match. 

In their last encounter on November 23, 2024, Arsenal won 3-0, dominating with 8 corners to Nottingham Forest’s 1. 

Based on these statistics, we can expect around 9 to 10 corners in the upcoming match.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this page, including all football predictions, odds, and related information, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and timeliness, we do not guarantee the correctness or reliability of any predictions, data, or information presented here. 

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