A top of the table encounter sees Arsenal host Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Arsenal’s hopes of competing strongly in the Premier League title race have faced challenges this season—unexpected results, controversial refereeing decisions, and a tough fixture list have defined the narrative for the Gunners. However, as a team that has competed at the top level for consecutive seasons, Arsenal must focus on results to steer their campaign back on track.
Arsenal visited Chelsea before the international break and were held to a 1-1 draw—a game they might have won with better finishing. Facing some of the toughest opponents this season has tested Arsenal, but it has also sharpened their resilience, which could reflect in their upcoming fixtures.
On the other hand, coming to a surprise to some, Nuno Espirito’s Nottingham Forest have been balling out this season, standing tall at 5th place level on points with Arsenal are competing for the European spots. Forest’s great form was disrupted right before the international break after a comeback victory from Newcastle.
A game that would earlier see fans call it a one-team favorite sees the context being changed and both being of equal threat to each other. Will Arsenal light up the Emirates once again or Nottingham Forest come up and upset Arsenal away from home?
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Match Details
Date: 23rd November 2024, Saturday.
Time: 3:00 PM BST.
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Match Officials
Referee: Simon Hooper.
Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long.
Fourth official: Dean Whitestone.
VAR: Darren England.
Assistant VAR: Marc Perry.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Team News
Ben White underwent minor knee surgery last week and is expected to be sidelined for two months. Kieran Tierney and Tomiyasu remain unavailable for this fixture. However, Riccardo Calafiori is expected to return after recovering from injury. Late fitness tests will determine the availability of Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice.
Danilo and Sangare are long-term absentees for Forest.
Pre-Match Tactical Analysis
Odegaard coming back from his injury has been a blessing out of disguise for Arsenal, although it’s only been one game since his return. The creativity, work ethic on and off the ball to lead the press and also organise the team according to the opposition has been visibly clear. Arsenal looked like a much better team with the inclusion of Odegaard and Merino in his favourable LCM position.
Nuno’s Forest have managed to concede only 10 goals this season, second best in the league just behind league leaders Liverpool. Nottingham’s defensive record has been reflective on their strong start to the campaign. Forest will look to continue their 7-game unbeaten streak away from home whilst the Gunners will look to continue their unbeaten home run.
Arsenal have managed to score 18 league goals from 17.3 expected goals (xG), finishing hasn’t really been their key issue but it has rather been their chance creation. In the absence of their captain Martin Odegaard, Arsenal have relied for chances from their winger duo Saka and Martinelli mainly – which has made it very predictable. With Saka being a doubt for the fixture, Arsenal will look for other options for creativity.
Teams now prefer doubling/tripling up against their wide creators that sees them short for options and passive on possession. Progression from the central spaces has been a massive issue for Arsenal. Odegaard’s return from a lengthy spell out could be the difference maker in this fixture for Arsenal like we mentioned previously.
A crucial game for both sides where one can get the better of the other – a litmus test certainly for the two in this period of time where one team has underperformed and the other has overperformed.
Arsenal vs Nottingham – Key Players
Riccardo Calafiori
The Arsenal summer signing has dealt with injuries since his signing but has transitioned himself superbly into Arsenal culture and dynamics under Arteta. His seamless, no-nonsense approach helps Arsenal both defensively and offensively. One time you’ll see him on the wide channels, but the other moment you’ll see him burst through into central areas and distribute passes to the frontline and help unlock Arsenal’s LHS. Up against tricky wingers like Elanga/Hudson Odoi, Calafiori might have defensive duties on the back of his head but is still expected to venture ahead whenever needed.
Chris Wood
Scoring goals hasn’t been a major problem for Forest because their Kiwi striker Chris Wood has been banging goals left, right and centre. Second on the goal scoring charts with 8 goals, Chris Wood has been fierce in front of goal this season. Wood’s aerial ability and strength to bully defenders can be a real test for Saliba and Gabriel. Hold up play has improved massively this season, likes making combinations and movements into the box.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Sels, Moreno, Murillo, Milenkovic, Aina, Yates, Ward Prowse, Dominguez, Gibbs White, Hudson Odoi, Wood.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Merino, Odegaard, Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli.
