Goal-shy at the City Ground, Forest face an Arsenal side back in rhythm
Arsenal are Nottingham Forest’s visitors at the City Ground on Sunday, 18 October 2026, in round 7 of the Premier League. Oliver Glasner’s side are 15th with five points and have taken one point from three home games without scoring a goal. Arsenal are second with 15 points after five wins from six, and they beat Lille 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday with Saka, Havertz and Ødegaard starting on the bench. Kick-off is at 17:30 CEST, with Michael Oliver the referee.
“They have so many world class players.” – Forest head coach Oliver Glasner on Arsenal
Predicted lineups: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
Morgan Gibbs-White is a doubt with a minor muscle problem, although Glasner said there is a chance he will be available. Nikola Milenković is back in training, while Savona and Igor miss out. Arsenal are still without William Saliba (back) and Piero Hincapié, but Martín Zubimendi looks close to a return. The line-ups below follow Khel Now’s prediction; Forest’s 3-4-2-1 is shown as a 3-4-3 in our graphic.
Nottingham Forest Team News & Preview
Forest lost 3-1 at Crystal Palace last weekend, but the numbers flattered Palace. Glasner’s side had 24 shots to 13 and an xG of 2.95, led through Dan Ndoye, and saw Liam Delap miss from close range and Gibbs-White hit the bar. The problem is that this pattern has not produced goals at the City Ground.
Forest have won one of their last 14 Premier League home games and have yet to score at home this season. Glasner has one win since he took over in July. They have had a full week to prepare, which is the one clear advantage they take into this game.
What works for or against Nottingham Forest
- No home league goal this season.
- One win in their last 14 PL home games.
- Created 2.95 xG at Palace last weekend.
- A full week of rest.
Arsenal Team News & Preview
Arsenal beat Lille 3-0 on Tuesday after a goalless first half, with Timber, Eze and Saka scoring in seven minutes. Arteta made five changes, so his key attackers are fresh. Before that, they came from behind to beat Leeds 2-1. Arteta said his side have „responded really well in the last two games“.
The back line is the weak spot. Saliba and Hincapié are out, and Arsenal lost 3-0 at Brighton this season. But 20 of their 21 goals this season have come from open play, so they do not depend on set pieces to break a side down.
What works for or against Arsenal
- Five wins from six league games.
- Key attackers rested on Tuesday.
- Saliba and Hincapié missing.
- Lost 3-0 at Brighton in the league.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Odds
Match Result
Double Chance
Draw No Bet
Over/Under
Both Teams to Score
Nottingham vs. Arsenal Stats Comparison
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Nottingham vs. Arsenal Form Guide
Nottingham Form, Stats & Data
Forest score 0.83 league goals per game and concede 1.33. At home they have one draw and two defeats, with no goals scored.
Arsenal Form, Stats & Data
Arsenal score 1.67 league goals per game and concede 0.83. Away from home they have two wins and one defeat.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal: Prediction & Betting Tip
Forest have not scored in three home league games and have won one of their last 14 at the City Ground. Arsenal have won five of six, rested their main attackers on Tuesday and have scored 20 open-play goals. I like Arsenal to win at 1.61.
The biggest risk is Arsenal’s defence. Without Saliba and Hincapié, the back line has looked less secure, and Forest created plenty at Palace. If Gibbs-White is fit, Forest have a real chance of scoring. But they have not turned chances into home goals all season, and I trust Arsenal’s attack to make the difference.
I am backing Arsenal to win at 1.61 with Winz, and I have it finishing 0-2.