Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Preview 17 Jan 2026 — Prediction and Team News

Arsenal travel to the City Ground on 17 January 2026 as clear favourites to extend their title charge while Nottingham Forest, sitting perilously close to the relegation zone, will rely on home resilience and set-piece threat; my prediction is a narrow Arsenal victory, Nottingham Forest 0–2 Arsenal, with Arsenal controlling possession but Forest dangerous on counters and dead balls.

Match context

Nottingham Forest host Arsenal in Round 22 of the Premier League at the City Ground on 17 January 2026, kick-off 17:30 GMT; the fixture pits a side fighting for survival against the league leaders, a contrast that frames the tactical battle. Arsenal arrive with momentum and a five-point cushion at the top of the table, while Forest are hovering around the relegation places and have struggled for consistent attacking returns this season.

Form, transfers and squad news

Arsenal’s squad depth has been tested by injuries this season but the club remain active in the January market and have already moved players on loan to balance minutes; Arteta has publicly said the club are “on alert” to add reinforcements if needed. Nottingham Forest have been linked with attacking reinforcements and there are reports of interest in a high-profile striker to boost their goals tally, though as of 12 January no major incomings were confirmed. Forest’s January activity has been framed as urgent given their low goals scored and need for a clinical forward.

Injuries and availability

Arsenal continue to manage a handful of muscular and ankle issues in their defensive ranks; Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera have been absent from recent matchday squads and Arteta has given cautious updates on their returns, meaning Arteta may rotate his backline depending on training responses later in the week. Nottingham Forest’s injury list includes recent knocks and international absences that have disrupted Sean Dyche’s selection options, with key players intermittently unavailable through knocks or AFCON call-ups earlier in January.

Tactical preview and key matchups

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will look to dominate possession, progress through midfield and exploit wide overloads; their pressing structure and ball progression should force Forest to defend deep and invite transitions. Sean Dyche’s side will set up to be compact, aiming to win second balls and target set-pieces and crosses where their physical forwards and aerial threats can cause problems. The midfield battle will be decisive: if Arsenal’s creative outlets find space between the lines, Forest will struggle to contain sustained pressure; conversely, quick counters and accurate long deliveries could create Forest’s best chances.

Prediction and betting angle

Expect a controlled Arsenal performance with two goals from open play or a mix of open play and set-piece. Final score prediction: Nottingham Forest 0–2 Arsenal. For bettors, the sensible angles are Arsenal win and under 3 goals, with caution advised given Forest’s ability to make matches scrappy at the City Ground.

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