Arsenal’s Big Test: Will Forest Shock at the Emirates?

Arsenal are sitting 3rd in the Premier League with 6 points from three games. After a tough 0-1 loss to Liverpool, they are hungry to bounce back at home. Nottingham Forest are currently 10th with 4 points, but come into this match after a heavy 0-3 defeat to West Ham. The clash at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, 13 September 2025, at 12:30 BST promises intensity and high stakes.

Recent Form

Arsenal have shown they can be lethal when in form. Their 5-0 thrashing of Leeds and a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Manchester United prove their strength. The loss to Liverpool was a setback, but it looks more like a blip than a trend. At home, they will look to dominate and put on a show.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, have experienced a mixed start. They beat Brentford 3-1, drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace, but fell apart in a 0-3 defeat to West Ham. To stand a chance against Arsenal, they will need a disciplined defense and sharp counter-attacks.

Head-to-Head History

Recent meetings favor Arsenal. The Gunners have won three of the last five Premier League encounters against Forest, including a convincing 3-0 victory at home in November 2024.

The last time they met, in February 2025, the match ended 0-0. But before that, Arsenal enjoyed wins in 2023 and 2024, showing their dominance in this fixture.

Team News & Injury Report

Arsenal are dealing with several injury concerns: Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus are all ruled out. Doubts remain over Leandro Trossard, William Saliba, and Ben White. This means responsibility will fall on Gabriel Martinelli and new striker Viktor Gyökeres to deliver goals.

Nottingham Forest will be without Nicolas Domínguez, while Nicolò Savona and Cuiabano are doubtful. Creativity will rely on Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi, while the defense led by Murillo and Nikola Milenković faces a huge test.

Lineups & Tactical Setup

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya – Timber, Saliba (if fit), Magalhães, Calafiori – Merino, Zubimendi, Rice – Martinelli, Gyökeres, Madueke.

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Sels – Aina, Murillo, Milenković, Williams – Sangaré, Anderson – Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi – Wood.

Expect Arsenal to control possession through Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and Martín Zubimendi, while Forest will look to hit on the counter through Gibbs-White and Hudson-Odoi.

Key Battles & Players to Watch

• Martinelli vs Williams: The pace and direct play of Gabriel Martinelli will test Neco Williams down the left side.
  
• Gibbs-White vs Zubimendi: Morgan Gibbs-White’s creativity will clash with Martín Zubimendi’s midfield control.
  
• Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal): His defensive leadership will be vital to stop quick counter-attacks.
  
• Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest): If Forest are to score, it may come from his vision and ability to unlock defenses.
  

Pre-Match Snapshot

• Fixture: Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
  
• Date & Time: Saturday, 13 September 2025, 12:30 BST
  
• Venue: Emirates Stadium
  
• League Positions: Arsenal – 3rd (6 points), Forest – 10th (4 points)

Prediction

With their attacking strength and home advantage, Arsenal are backed to win comfortably. Expect a 3-1 scoreline, with Martinelli and Gyökeres likely to make the difference. Forest may threaten on the break through Gibbs-White, but the Gunners should have too much quality at the Emirates.