Title race momentum: Arsenal are pushing to maintain their grip at the top of the table, so every away fixture like this is about keeping pressure on their closest challengers.
Survival pressure: Nottingham Forest are still looking over their shoulder, and home games against top sides are crucial opportunities to pick up unexpected points or at least show resilience.
Psychological stakes: A Forest result would be a huge confidence boost at the City Ground, while an Arsenal win would reinforce their consistency and authority in difficult away environments.
Our AI Predictions for the Match Between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal
To provide a comprehensive betting preview, we have analysed predictions from three leading AI models: ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Each model offers a distinct primary prediction for the match, clearly presented with their respective logos. For those seeking a deeper understanding, you can expand each tip to view the detailed reasoning and data that informed the AI’s conclusion.
BTTS offers solid value given both sides’ attacking quality and defensive vulnerabilities, with Forest capable of scoring at home and Arsenal carrying goalscoring threat even amid injuries.
Claude prioritises markets that favour an away win for the title-chasing visitors. Arsenal’s superior squad quality, Viktor Gyökeres’ outstanding form, and Forest’s absence of Chris Wood underpin the Arsenal win pick. Both sides have attacking intent and defensive vulnerabilities, making both teams to score and over 2.5 goals logical accompanying bets.
Gemini prioritises the Over/Under market given the attacking quality of Arsenal and Nottingham Forest’s ability to score at home. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities defensively, and key injuries, particularly in Arsenal’s backline, further support a higher-scoring affair.
Why we chose the prediction we did from the options that were available to us?
Both Teams to Score stands out for me because the numbers point to Arsenal finding the net, and Forest having a real chance of nicking one at home. Arsenal have 40 goals in 21 league games and average almost two goals a match, so it takes something special to keep them out. Forest, meanwhile, have conceded 34 in 21, one of the leakiest records in the division, which makes an Arsenal goal feel close to a baseline. The BTTS angle comes from Forest’s need for points in 17th and their ability to contribute even in tough fixtures, plus Arsenal have still allowed 14 goals this season, so a single moment, set piece, or transition can be enough for the hosts to land a punch while Arsenal do what they usually do at the other end.
Value Bets from Our Algorithm
Our value bet selections are the result of a sophisticated algorithm that analyses a wide array of football data. It goes beyond simple win-loss probabilities to assess factors like expected goals (xG), recent team form, head-to-head results, and specific home and away performance metrics. By comparing these insights with live market odds, the algorithm identifies bets that offer genuine value for this Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal clash.
Given their status as title contenders, Arsenal are overwhelmingly favoured to leave the City Ground with at least a point.
Player Focus Bets
Based on recent form and historical data, our top picks for the Anytime Goalscorer market in this match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal:
Igor Jesus is worth considering in the anytime goalscorer market because due to injuries he becomes Nottingham Forest’s most natural goal threat when they get chances in the final third. He averages just over 2 shots per game, plays centrally, and is the player most likely to be on the end of crosses, second balls, or counter-attacking moves. Even against stronger opposition, Forest’s attacking output tends to funnel through him, and with Arsenal pushing high and dominating possession, Jesus should see opportunities to exploit space in transition or from set-piece situations. (Nottingham Forest)
Viktor Gyökeres is a strong contender in the anytime goalscorer market because of his consistent involvement in Arsenal’s attacking play. He has scored 5 Premier League goals this season and averages close to 2 shots per game, often operating in advanced areas despite his hybrid wide-forward role. His physical presence, ability to carry the ball into the box, and knack for finding space against stretched defences make him a genuine threat, especially in matches where Arsenal are expected to dominate territory and create sustained pressure. (Arsenal)
Odds Boosts, Free Bets & Specials for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
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03 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueAFC Bournemouth2 : 3Arsenal
30 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueArsenal4 : 1Aston Villa
27 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueArsenal2 : 1Brighton & Hove Albion
WINS5
DRAW1
LOSSES0
Average Stats (Last 7 Matches)
30 Total goals
57% BTTS
19 Goals scored
11 Goals conceded
57% Over 2.5
29% Under 2.5
08 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueArsenal0 : 0Liverpool
30 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueArsenal4 : 1Aston Villa
27 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueArsenal2 : 1Brighton & Hove Albion
23 Dec 2025 –
EFL CupArsenal9 : 8Crystal Palace
13 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueArsenal2 : 1Wolverhampton Wanderers
03 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueArsenal2 : 0Brentford
WINS5
DRAW0
LOSSES1
Average Stats (Last 7 Matches)
22 Total goals
57% BTTS
15 Goals scored
7 Goals conceded
71% Over 2.5
14% Under 2.5
14 Jan 2026 –
EFL CupChelsea2 : 3Arsenal
11 Jan 2026 –
FA CupPortsmouth1 : 4Arsenal
03 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueAFC Bournemouth2 : 3Arsenal
20 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueEverton0 : 1Arsenal
10 Dec 2025 –
Champions LeagueClub Brugge0 : 3Arsenal
06 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueAston Villa2 : 1Arsenal
Starting XI
4-3-3
Possible Lineup
1David Raya
49Myles Lewis-Skelly
6Gabriel Magalhães
2William Saliba
12Jurrien Timber
41Declan Rice
36Martín Zubimendi
8Martin Ødegaard
19Leandro Trossard
14Viktor Gyökeres
7Bukayo Saka
Substitutes
13Kepa Arrizabalaga
4Ben White
16Christian Nørgaard
23Mikel Merino
10Eberechi Eze
11Gabriel Martinelli
20Noni Madueke
9Gabriel Jesus
29Kai Havertz
Suspension
None reported
Injured
1Cristhian Mosquera Ibarguen Ankle/Foot Injury
2Max Dowman Ankle/Foot Injury
3Riccardo Calafiori Other
4Leandro Trossard Other - Late Fitness Test
5William Saliba Other - Late Fitness Test
6Piero Hincapie Reyna Thigh Injury
Note: Official lineups are typically confirmed 60 minutes before kick-off. These predictions are based on the latest team news and recent selections.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Head-to-Head Record
13 Sep 2025 –
Premier LeagueArsenal3 : 0Nottingham Forest
26 Feb 2025 –
Premier LeagueNottingham Forest0 : 0Arsenal
23 Nov 2024 –
Premier LeagueArsenal3 : 0Nottingham Forest
30 Jan 2024 –
Premier LeagueNottingham Forest1 : 2Arsenal
12 Aug 2023 –
Premier LeagueArsenal2 : 1Nottingham Forest
20 May 2023 –
Premier LeagueNottingham Forest1 : 0Arsenal
30 Oct 2022 –
Premier LeagueArsenal5 : 0Nottingham Forest
09 Jan 2022 –
FA CupNottingham Forest1 : 0Arsenal
League Games at Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest
Arsenal
Goals: Scored32
Games: Scored3/41/4
Clean Sheets3/41/4
League Games at Arsenal
Nottingham Forest
Arsenal
Goals: Scored113
Games: Scored4/44/4
Clean Sheets0/43/4
Current Best Betting Odds for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
When it comes to betting on this Premier League fixture, getting the best odds can make all the difference to your returns. Below, we’ve compared the top prices available from trusted betting sites for the upcoming clash between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal.
For those looking beyond the obvious outcomes in their football betting predictions, we’ve highlighted a few long shot bets for the Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal clash. These are higher-risk selections that carry a lower probability of success, but offer the potential for significantly greater odds.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal Long-Shot Betting
Bet Type
Selection
Odds
Rationale
Long-Shot Bet 1
Nottingham Forest to Win to Nil
15/2 (10bet)
Nottingham Forest winning without conceding requires both attacking prowess and defensive solidity. A clean sheet adds difficulty but increases the reward significantly. At 15/2, the potential returns justify the risk.
Long-Shot Bet 2
Nottingham Forest (-1)
12/1 (10bet)
This handicap requires Nottingham Forest to win by more than 1 goal. It's a bold prediction that rewards those expecting a dominant performance. At 12/1, the potential returns justify the risk.
Long-Shot Bet 3
Arsenal leads HT, Draw FT
14/1 (10bet)
This bet requires Arsenal to lead at half-time before the match ends in a draw. It's an intriguing long-shot that banks on a second-half comeback from the opposition. At 14/1, the potential returns justify the risk.
Bet Builder Suggestions
If you really want to see a return, Bet Builders are a great way to combine different markets into one high-odds selection. These are risky, but when they land, the payout can be massive.
Here are some long-shot Bet Builder ideas for the Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal clash:
Nottingham Forest to Win + Over 2.5 Goals + Both Teams to Score (Combined odds: 15/2)
Arsenal to Score First + Nottingham Forest to Win + Over 3.5 Goals (Combined odds: 11/1)
Draw at Half-Time + Nottingham Forest to Win + BTTS (Combined odds: 14/1)
Quick Betting Angles
These Quick Betting Angles cut through the noise and turn stats into actionable insights for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal on 17 January 2026 at 5:30 PM.
Betting Angle (Both Teams to Score): Nottingham Forest consistently score at home, and they will look to exploit an Arsenal defence that is missing several players through injury. However, the Gunners’ own attacking trio is in exceptional form, making it probable that they will also get on the score sheet.
Betting Angle (Total Goals): Expect over 2.5 goals in this match. Arsenal’s attacking firepower should test the Forest defence, while the hosts are more than capable of contributing to a high-scoring game.
Betting Angle (Home Advantage): While the City Ground provides a notable advantage for Nottingham Forest, it is unlikely to be enough to completely nullify the significant gap in quality between them and title-chasing Arsenal.
Match Information:
Competition: Premier League
Stage: Premier League
Kick-off: 17 January 2026 at 5:30 PM
Sport: Soccer
Where to Watch Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
TV channel:
In the UK, this Premier League match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.
Online streaming:
Subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the TNT Sports app.
Free highlights:
Match highlights will be shown across Sky Sports and TNT Sports, with extended highlights also airing later on Saturday night on Match of the Day.
