Premier League leaders Arsenal head to the City Ground today evening, aiming to maintain their six-point cushion at the summit of the table.
Mikel Arteta’s men arrive with significant momentum after a prolific week in the cup competitions, having dismantled Portsmouth 4-1 in the FA Cup, followed by a gritty 3-2 victory away at Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. Conversely, the atmosphere at Nottingham Forest is more sombre after an agonising FA Cup exit on penalties to Wrexham. Sitting just seven points above the drop zone in 17th, Sean Dyche will be desperate for a resilient showing at a ground where Forest have already suffered six league defeats this season—one more than in the entirety of the previous campaign.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 17 January 2026
- Kick-off: 17:30 GMT
- Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- VAR: Darren England
- Last Meeting: Arsenal 3–0 Nottingham Forest, 13 Sept 2025, Premier League
Team News
Nottingham Forest
Sean Dyche has seen his squad bolstered by the return of Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangaré from AFCON duty. Captain Ryan Yates (hamstring) is also back in training and faces a late fitness test. However, the hosts are without Chris Wood and John Victor, who both underwent knee surgeries this week. Oleksandr Zinchenko is ineligible to face his parent club under the terms of his loan deal. Igor Jesus is expected to lead the line following Arnaud Kalimuendo’s loan departure.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta was cryptic regarding a potential defensive boost, though Piero Hincapié (hamstring) appears to be the most likely returnee after a late fitness test. Riccardo Calafiori (muscle), Cristhian Mosquera (ankle), and Max Dowman (ankle) all remain sidelined. David Raya is expected to reclaim his spot in goal from Kepa Arrizabalaga. Kai Havertz is available but likely to be managed following his recent recovery from a long-term knee injury.
Form
Nottingham Forest
Forest enter this clash in a vulnerable position, having already suffered six league defeats at home this season. This tally is already one more than the entirety of their previous campaign, turning the City Ground from a fortress into a point of concern for Sean Dyche. Notably, the team is looking to bounce back from an agonising FA Cup exit on penalties to Wrexham, which has added to a sombre atmosphere at the club. However, they remain unbeaten in their last two home encounters against Arsenal, drawing 0-0 in February 2025 and winning 1-0 in 2023.
Arsenal
The Gunners are currently the form side in the division, boasting a five-game winning streak away from home in all competitions. Arteta’s side has moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League and arrives with significant confidence following back-to-back cup victories over Portsmouth and Chelsea. Furthermore, Arsenal have been defensively resolute on their travels, as they are the only team in the Premier League not to have trailed by two goals in a single game this season. They are now seeking a fourth consecutive league clean sheet against the “Tricky Trees”.
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest predicted XI: Sels; Aina, Milenković, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Domínguez; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus
Arsenal predicted XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 16:30 GMT ahead of the 17:30 kick-off.
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