Feb 26 – Match Preview: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – Navigating the City Ground Challenge

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Match Preview: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – Arsenal travel to the City Ground on February 26, aiming to secure a crucial three points in their title chase. Mikel Arteta’s side will face a resilient Nottingham Forest team eager to upset the Gunners on home turf. With key battles across the pitch and tactical tweaks expected, this clash promises to be a thrilling contest. Can Arsenal overcome their recent struggles at this ground, or will Forest prove to be a stumbling block once again? Let’s dive into the key insights ahead of the showdown.

Match Preview: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal

Recent Form & Head-to-Head Stats

Recent Form (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)

Nottingham Forest’s Last 5 Matches:

Arsenal’s Last 5 Matches:

Head-to-Head Stats

All-Time Record (106 Meetings):

  • Arsenal Wins: 🏆 55
  • Draws: 🤝 22
  • Nottingham Forest Wins: 🔴 29

Last 5 Meetings:

Interesting Stats & Facts

  • 🏟️ Arsenal have won their last three league meetings against Nottingham Forest, scoring a total of 7 goals while conceding just 2.
  • 🔴 Nottingham Forest have beaten Arsenal just once in the Premier League since their return in 2022, with a 1-0 win at the City Ground in May 2023.
  • 🔥 Forest’s win over Brighton (7-0) was their biggest league home win this season, while Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of Manchester City was their most dominant performance of the campaign.
  • 🤯 Both teams have been involved in high-scoring games recently, with Forest scoring at least 2 goals in 4 of their last 5 games, while Arsenal have netted 10 goals in their last 5 matches.

This sets up an exciting battle at the City Ground, where Forest will look to pull off an upset, while Arsenal aim to maintain their title challenge! ⚽🔴

Tactical Analysis & Lineups

Tactical Analysis

As Arsenal prepare to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on February 26, 2025, both teams are expected to employ strategies that capitalize on their strengths and address recent challenges.

Arsenal’s Approach:

Mikel Arteta’s side has been adapting to an injury-stricken forward line, with key players such as Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz sidelined. In response, Arteta has experimented with midfielder Mikel Merino in a false nine role, a strategy that yielded success with Merino scoring twice against Leicester City. This approach allows Arsenal to maintain their possession-based style, with fluid movement and interchange among the attacking midfielders. Defensively, the return of William Saliba bolsters the central defence, while the full-back positions may see Ben White and Jurrien Timber alternating on the right, and Myles Lewis-Skelly or Riccardo Calafiori on the left, providing both defensive solidity and width in attack.

Nottingham Forest’s Approach:

Under the guidance of their manager Nuno Espírito Santo, Nottingham Forest has demonstrated resilience and organization, often employing a compact defensive structure to limit opponents’ space. With a relatively healthy squad, Forest is likely to focus on quick transitions and counter-attacks, utilizing the pace of wingers like Anthony Elanga and the creativity of Morgan Gibbs-White. The physical presence of forward Chris Wood offers a target for crosses and long balls, aiming to challenge Arsenal’s centre-backs. Forest’s midfield will be tasked with disrupting Arsenal’s rhythm and capitalizing on any turnovers to launch swift attacks.

Team News

Arsenal:

The Gunners are currently managing several significant injuries:

  • Gabriel Jesus: Sidelined with an ACL injury in his left knee, expected to return around November 22, 2025.
  • Myles Lewis-Skelly: Suspended after red card vs West Ham.
  • Bukayo Saka: Recovering from a thigh injury, with a potential return on April 1, 2025.
  • Gabriel Martinelli: Suffered a hamstring injury in early February; no specific return date has been provided.
  • Kai Havertz: Underwent surgery for a torn hamstring and will miss the remainder of the season.
  • Takehiro Tomiyasu: Out for the rest of 2025 following knee surgery.

In light of these absences, Arteta has been training with various players in the forward role, including Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and Ethan Nwaneri, to find effective attacking solutions.

Nottingham Forest:

Forest’s injury list is minimal:

  • Carlos Miguel: The backup goalkeeper is out with a hamstring injury sustained in an FA Cup match against Exeter City earlier this month.

With a largely fit squad, Nottingham Forest is poised to field a strong lineup against Arsenal.

Lineups

Arsenal (4-3-3):

PositionPlayer
GoalkeeperDavid Raya
Right BackJurrien Timber
Center BackWilliam Saliba
Center BackGabrriel Magalhaes
Left BackRiccardo Calafiori
Defensive MidJorginho
Central MidMartin Odegaard
Central MidDeclan Rice
Right WingEthan Nwaneri
StrikerMikel Merino
Left WingLeandro Trossard

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1):

PositionPlayer
GoalkeeperMatz Sels
Right BackNeco Williams
Center BackNikola Milenkovic
Center BackMurillo
Left BackOla Aina
Defensive MidNicolas Dominguez
Defensive MidElliot Anderson
Right WingAnthony Elanga
Attacking MidMorgan Gibbs-White
Left WingCallum Hudson-Odoi
StrikerChris Wood

Key Battles to Watch

Merino vs Murillo

  • The duel between Mikel Merino and Murillo will be crucial in determining who controls the attacking third. Mikel Merino will look to exploit any gaps in the defence, while Murillo must stay disciplined and dominate aerial duels to neutralize the threat.

Nwaneri vs Aina

  • This battle on the flanks could dictate the attacking momentum. Ethan Nwaneri will aim to use pace and dribbling skills to create goal-scoring opportunities, while Ola Aina must stay compact and prevent dangerous deliveries into the box.

Jorginho vs Gibbs-White

  • The midfield contest between Jorginho and Morgan Gibbs-White could shape the tempo of the match. Jorginho will need to break up play and control possession, while Gibbs-White will look for spaces to influence the final third.

Calafiori vs Elanga

  • On the opposite flank, another key battle will see Riccardo Calafiori tasked with stopping Anthony Elanga. If Elanga is given too much space, they could create havoc with deliveries and goal-scoring opportunities, while Calafiori must balance defensive duties with supporting attacks.

Raya vs Wood

  • The ultimate test in the match – David Raya will need to be alert against Chris Wood, who will be hunting for chances inside the box. Whether it’s shot-stopping, commanding the area, or dealing with set-pieces, David Raya must be at their best to keep their team in the game.

This match will likely be decided by these positional duels, as both teams look to gain the upper hand in their respective key areas on the pitch.

Score Prediction

With Arsenal struggling for attacking fluency due to injuries and recent performances lacking cutting edge, this match looks set to be another frustrating outing for Mikel Arteta’s side. Despite dominating possession in recent games, the lack of direct goal threat has been evident, and breaking down a well-organized Nottingham Forest side at the City Ground will be a tough challenge.

Forest, on the other hand, have shown resilience at home and are capable of capitalizing on defensive lapses. Their ability to stay compact, frustrate opponents, and hit on the counter could be decisive against an Arsenal side missing key attacking players.

Predicted Score: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Arsenal

Unless Arsenal can find a spark from an unlikely source, this game could follow the same pattern as recent matches—lots of the ball, little end product, and another frustrating result.

How to Watch the Match

The Premier League clash between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the City Ground in Nottingham. Kick-off is at 7:30 pm GMT.

United Kingdom

  • TV Broadcast: The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage starting at 6:30 pm GMT.
  • Live Streaming: Subscribers can stream the match online via the discovery+ app or through the . A discovery+ Premium monthly pass is available for £30.99.

United States

  • Live Streaming: Fans in the U.S. can watch the match live on Peacock Premium, with kick-off at 2:30 pm ET / 11:30 am PT.

Canada

  • Live Streaming: In Canada, the match will be available on FuboTV, which holds the rights to all Premier League matches.

Australia

  • Live Streaming: Australian viewers can stream the match live on Optus Sport, with coverage available to subscribers.

Radio

  • Live Commentary: For those preferring audio coverage, talkSPORT will provide live radio commentary of the match.

Please ensure you have the necessary subscriptions to access the live streams. Match schedules are subject to change; always check your local listings for the most up-to-date information.

Arsenal Merchandise – Perfect for Every Gooner!

Show your support for Arsenal with these must-have items for every true fan. Whether you’re sipping your matchday coffee, staying hydrated, or looking for the perfect gift, we’ve got you covered!

🔥 Must-Have Arsenal Fan Gear 🔥

☕ Arsenal Premier League Joke Football Cup – The ideal tea/coffee mug for matchdays, a great gift for any Arsenal supporter.

💧 Arsenal F.C. 750ml Aluminium Fade Bottle – Stay refreshed with this sleek Arsenal water bottle featuring the club’s official design.

🐧 Arsenal FC 22cm Penguin Plush – A soft and eco-friendly plush toy, officially licensed and perfect for Gooners of all ages.

Up the Gunners! 🔴⚪ #COYG

Final Thoughts & Fan Reactions

Arsenal head into this match with serious concerns over their attacking output, as injuries continue to disrupt their fluency in the final third. The recent performances have lacked cutting edge, and with Nottingham Forest proving resilient at home, this will be another difficult test for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of goal-scoring threat, as the team’s dominance in possession has rarely translated into clear-cut chances. There is also concern over how Arsenal will break down a well-structured Forest defence, given their struggles in recent matches. Some remain hopeful that the team can grind out a result, but expectations are low with the current injury situation.

Many supporters are simply hoping for a solid performance, even if a positive result seems unlikely. The priority now is to find short-term solutions until key players return, but this match could be another reminder of how much Arsenal are missing their attacking stars.

What do you think? Share your thoughts and predictions below! ⬇️🔴⚪ #COYG #Arsenal

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