Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal tips and predictions: Fresh Gunners to shut out short-handed hosts

Arsenal could pull closer to Liverpool and Man City in the title race with a win on Tuesday while Nottingham Forest could move seven clear of the dropzone.

Neither side has been convincing lately but Arsenal’s 5-0 win against Crystal Palace after an extended break suggests they’ve refocused.

Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel weighed in with a brace on either side of Leandro Trossard’s goal, while five other Gunners assisted in a top-team performance.

Nuno’s new manager bounce saw Forest beat Newcastle and Manchester United over the festive period but they’re winless in four since.

The Premier League side played out a pair of 2-2 draws against League One Blackpool and lost 3-2 to Brentford before a 0-0 draw with Championship Bristol City.

 

 

The absence of key personnel and lack of depth seems to be taking its toll so their congested fixture list is a consideration here.

While it isn’t too chaotic, Arsenal had a two-week break to beating Palace and have had 10 days to put their feet up since.

On the other hand, Forest will be playing their third game in 10 days and they have very limited options on the bench.

Chris Wood has scored five in four to help lift the hosts away from the dropzone but in our opinion, he’s not going to get much change out of Gabriel and William Saliba.

Nuno’s teams are usually pretty adept at sitting back and shutting up shop and we’ve seen Mikel Arteta's side eke out five 1-0 wins this season.

Eight of their 13 Premier League wins have been to nil and we think they’ll be able to pen back a limited Forest side and manage their threat on the break.

 

Team news

Taiwo Awoniyi, Felipe and Nuno Tavares are ruled out while Divock Origi, Anthony Elanga and Moussa Niakhite are currently doubtful.

Ibrahim Sangare, Ola Aina, Cheikhou Kouyate, Willy Boly and Serge Aurier have been competing in the African Cup of Nations.

Jurrien Timber, Fabio Viera and Thomas Partey are ruled out due to injury while Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu are on international duty.

Declan Rice and Gabriel picked up minor injuries against Crystal Palace but have a good chance of starting on Tuesday.

 

Key stats

- Eight of Arsenal’s 13 Premier League wins have been to nil
- There have been under 2.5 goals in six of Arsenal’s 10 away games
- Nottingham Forest have lost four of five at the City Ground

 

Suggested bets

Arsenal win to nil

Under 2.5 goals