Arsenal v Nottingham Forest: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal went into the international break winless in three competitive games and they already have a nine-point gap to make up in the Premier League title race.

Inexplicably and against all odds, the Tricky Trees are level on points with Arsenal as they head to the capital, lagging behind their lauded opponents on goal difference alone after a stunning start to the season. 

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have already taken points off the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool this season, so they may fancy their chances against the odds-on favourites.

Arsenal v Nottingham Forest betting tips and predictions

Both teams to score - 11/10

Arsenal built last season’s Premier League title challenge off the back of a rock-solid defence, conceding a league-low 29 goals in 38 games and keeping a clean sheet in almost half their games.

Unfortunately for Arteta, that defensive stability appears to have evaporated in the heat of the summer.

On average, the Gunners have conceded over a goal per game in the Premier League this term, while they have conceded in four of their last five competitive outings, with the only exception being a trip to Preston in the EFL Cup.

Forest have scored in 11 of their 12 matches in all competitions and sit just one position below Arsenal after their fantastic start to the season, so there is every chance that they could trouble a home defence that will be without Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori through injury.

Arsenal won both meetings with the Tricky Trees by a 2-1 scoreline last season and, with Forest conceding in eight of their 12 outings, expect goals at both ends again on Saturday.

Nottingham Forest +2 handicap - 8/11

Arsenal’s title challenge was dealt another blow before the international break as they dropped two points at Stamford Bridge, extending their winless streak to a worrying three matches in all competitions.

Manchester City’s simultaneous collapse gives them some hope, but the fact that their only victories in the past seven games have come against Preston and Shakhtar Donetsk is nevertheless a massive concern.

Forest, meanwhile, have lost just two of their 12 assignments this term and only one of those - their 3-1 loss at home to Newcastle last time out - was by more than a single-goal margin.

Nuno’s men are unbeaten away from home, including a win at Anfield and a draw at Stamford Bridge, so they should be able to keep things competitive against a home side that may also be without Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

The Gunners are unbeaten at home and have won three of their five league games in front of their own fans, so backing Forest to come away with a point or more may be ambitious, but do not expect them to be overpowered in London.

Chris Wood to score anytime - 4/1

One man who has been central to Forest’s success this season is Chris Wood and the New Zealand international looks good value to add to his tally on Saturday.

Only Erling Haaland (12) has scored more Premier League goals than Wood (8) so far this season and the 32-year-old is well on the way to his best-ever season in the top-flight.

He secured his joint-best goalscoring season in the Premier League last season and 11 of his 14 top-flight goals came after the appointment of Nuno in December.

He has now scored 19 league goals in his last 27 appearances and he heads to the Emirates fresh from scoring five goals in two outings for New Zealand during the international break.

With four goals from his last three Premier League away days, back Wood to have an impact on Saturday.

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Arsenal v Nottingham Forest odds

Arsenal - 4/11
Draw - 15/4
Nottingham Forest - 17/2

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.