After a damaging defeat to West Ham United over the weekend, Arsenal travel to the City Ground on Wednesday, needing a victory to keep their fading Premier League title hopes alive. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, remain a tough proposition at home, boasting a seven-game unbeaten streak on their own turf.
Mikel Arteta’s side were left frustrated in a 1-0 derby loss to West Ham, further exposing their lack of firepower up front following their failure to recruit a striker in the January transfer window. Meanwhile, Forest were involved in a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United, showing both attacking brilliance and defensive frailties.
With Arsenal now 11 points behind Liverpool and Forest looking to keep their European push on track, this midweek fixture carries plenty of significance for both sides.
How to Watch Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal
The match will take place on Wednesday, February 28, 2025, at the City Ground in Nottingham, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM GMT.
In the UK, the game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. Fans in the US can watch on USA Network and Peacock, while Australian viewers can stream it on Optus Sport. Live radio coverage will be available via BBC Radio 5 Live, and major sports platforms such as Sky Sports and the Premier League’s official channels will provide live updates.
Team News: Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal
Arsenal’s injury list continues to grow, with Myles Lewis-Skelly suspended after his red card against West Ham. The Gunners remain without Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring), Kai Havertz (hamstring), and Gabriel Jesus (ACL). Ethan Nwaneri, who came off with fatigue at the weekend, is expected to be available.
Mikel Arteta is likely to abandon his experiment of starting Mikel Merino up front, but with limited attacking options, he may be forced to persist with the Spanish midfielder in a false nine role or recall Raheem Sterling.
Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, have no major injury concerns, with only backup goalkeeper Carlos Miguel (hamstring) unavailable. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo hinted at some minor knocks to unnamed players in his press conference, but the hosts should be close to full strength.
Forest may opt for a back-three system, especially after witnessing how effectively West Ham nullified Arsenal with a similar setup.
Expected Lineups: Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal
Nottingham Forest possible starting XI: Sels; Milenkovic, Murillo, Morato; Aina, Anderson, Yates, Williams; Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Arsenal possible starting XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal
Forest’s home form suggests this will be a difficult night for Arsenal, who are severely lacking in attacking firepower. The Gunners still boast the best defensive record in the league, but with key players missing in attack, breaking down Forest’s resilient setup could prove challenging.
While Arteta’s side will be desperate for three points, a cagey encounter could end in frustration, further denting Arsenal’s title chances.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal