Date of Tips: 15/01/2026
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (12:38 15/01/2026) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Nottingham Forest FC
v Arsenal FC 
City Ground, Nottingham
Premier League Matchday 22 
17-01-2026 17:30
Nottingham Form
Arsenal Form
Saturday evening at the City Ground sees Nottingham Forest hosting league leaders Arsenal. The Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal prediction is interesting too, because when you really dig into the team news, likely lineups, and how these sides match up, there are a few angles worth chatting through. Arsenal flying high. Forest trying to steady the ship.
Let’s start with Forest. They’re led by Sean Dyche, a seasoned Premier League manager who’s been around the block. Forest are playing top-flight football again and survival is still the main goal. They’ve had a rough patch lately, including that painful FA Cup exit, and confidence isn’t exactly overflowing.
Morgan Gibbs-White is still the heartbeat of this side. He’s 26 now, and everything creative tends to go through him. He also handles most set-pieces, including free-kicks, and is often the man trusted from the spot if a penalty comes Forest’s way. Without 34 year old Chris Wood, Forest lack a bit of physical presence up top, which changes how Dyche sets them up.
There’s some positivity with midfield options returning, and the squad is mostly settled. Forest will likely focus on staying compact, fighting for second balls, and hoping Gibbs-White can unlock something on the counter.
Arsenal’s situation looks very different. Mikel Arteta, now well into his tenure as Arsenal boss, has them playing confident, controlled Premier League football. They’re top of the table, unbeaten in recent league games, and even rotation hasn’t slowed them down.
Defensively, there are still a few fitness concerns, but William Saliba is back and anchors the back line. He’s only 24 and already looks like one of the league’s calmest centre-backs. Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s academy star and England regular, remains their main penalty taker and a constant threat from wide areas. Martin Ødegaard pulls the strings, while Arsenal’s depth in midfield allows them to dominate possession in most games.
Forest should line up in a shape that prioritises structure. Expect a disciplined back four, a hardworking midfield two, and Gibbs-White given freedom ahead of them. The focus will be on breaking Arsenal’s rhythm rather than matching them man for man.
Arsenal, on the other hand, will likely stick to what’s worked. A strong back line, technical midfielders who keep the ball moving, and wide attackers stretching the pitch. Arteta won’t overthink this one. Control first, then accelerate when gaps appear.
Now, from a betting perspective, this is about reading the game state rather than chasing anything wild. Arsenal usually start games patiently away from home. Forest will sit deep early. That often leads to a slower opening before the match opens up after half-time.
Markets around match control, clean sheets, or second-half goals feel more logical than anything dramatic.
Honestly, it’s hard to escape the feeling that Arsenal have too much here. Forest will compete. They always do at the City Ground. But Arsenal’s ability to manage games, especially against sides in the lower half, is impressive.
Forest’s best hope is to frustrate early and nick something from a set-piece. Arsenal’s best path is simple: keep the ball, stretch Forest wide, and wait for mistakes.
Match Prediction: Arsenal to win. Bet with bet365.
Scoreline tips should be based around expected match flow and outcome. A narrow Arsenal win feels right. Forest don’t concede huge numbers at home, but scoring themselves is the bigger challenge. A controlled away performance without fireworks wouldn’t surprise anyone watching closely. Scoreline tips should be based around expected match flow and outcome.
Correct Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal. Bet with bet365.
This doesn’t scream goal-fest. Arsenal are happy winning without chaos, especially away. Forest will likely prioritise shape over risk. Under goals markets naturally come into focus when you think about how this game unfolds.
Over/Under Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
If you’re building something, think Arsenal result-based selections combined with low-scoring angles. The game should follow a predictable rhythm unless something strange happens early.
Bet Builder Tip: Both teams to score – no, under 2.5 goals, and Bukayo Saka to score anytime. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
Arsenal go in as favourites based on form and squad strength, but Forest will make it uncomfortable.
Kick-off is at 5:30pm UK time on Saturday, January 17th.
At the City Ground in Nottingham.
A tight Arsenal win feels most likely.
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