The new era for Nottingham Forest begins with a tough test, as they travel to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. This will be Forest’s first match since parting ways with Nuno Espírito Santo, who was sacked after just three games into the new Premier League season. Nuno had guided Forest back into European competition after 30 years, but disagreements behind the scenes seem to have led to his early departure.
In his place steps Ange Postecoglou, the former Tottenham manager, who now takes on the challenge of leading Forest, and what better way to begin than with a visit to his former club’s fierce North London rivals.
Arsenal’s perfect start to the league campaign was ended by a 1-0 loss to Liverpool just before the international break. Injuries are piling up for the Gunners, and despite it being early in the season, there are already concerns about falling behind in the title race. Still, Arsenal have won their last two league games at home, though they haven’t managed three home wins in a row in the Premier League since August 2024. On the last four occasions they won back-to-back home games, they failed to win the third.
Nottingham Forest, sitting mid-table with one win, one draw and one loss, have shown signs of improvement but have lost five of their last 11 Premier League matches. That’s just one less than the total number of defeats they suffered in the 24 games before that. Forest’s away form has been shaky, and they haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last 11 league games.
The head-to-head history favours Arsenal strongly. Forest have only beaten them twice in 16 Premier League encounters, and both of those wins came at their home ground, the City Ground. When it comes to playing at the Emirates, Arsenal have won their last six home games against Forest in all competitions, scoring 19 goals and conceding just two.
Recent stats show that Arsenal have scored first in each of their last seven home league matches. However, they’ve only managed one win in their last six Saturday home games in the Premier League. Forest, meanwhile, have drawn five of their last seven away league games when Darren England has been the referee.
In terms of players to watch, Arsenal’s Noni Madueke has previous form against Forest, having scored against them last season while playing for Chelsea – one of nine out of his 13 top-flight goals that came after the break. Forest’s Arnaud Kalimuendo has been effective away from home, scoring five of his last seven club goals on the road and is pushing for a starting spot.
Injuries continue to affect both sides. Arsenal are without key players such as Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, while Forest remain without Nicolás Domínguez. Other players also face late fitness tests.
Given Forest’s recent struggles and the chaos surrounding their managerial change, Arsenal are seen as strong favourites to win, with many backing them to win by more than one goal. However, with Postecoglou known for shaking things up, Forest could prove tricky opponents if they find their rhythm quickly.
The match kicks off at 13:30 at the Emirates Stadium.
