Here’s a detailed preview of Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest in the Premier League (13 September 2025), covering form, tactics, players to watch, and what might decide the match.
Fixture details & context
- The match is at the Emirates Stadium, kick-off at 12:30 BST on Saturday, 13 September 2025.
- It’s Forest’s first game under Ange Postecoglou, who has just been appointed after the departure of Nuno Espírito Santo.
- Arsenal will be looking to bounce back after having their perfect start to the season ended by a narrow 1-0 loss at Liverpool.
Recent form & head to head
- Arsenal: Prior to the Liverpool game, they had won their first two Premier League matches, scoring freely and with strong defensive displays. The defeat at Anfield, via a late free-kick, was a tight game.
- Nottingham Forest: Mixed start. They have four points from their opening matches, but suffered a damaging home 3-0 defeat to West Ham. Defensive frailties have been an issue.
- Head to head: Arsenal historically dominate. Of the 16 Premier League meetings, Forest have only won twice, both at the City Ground. At the Emirates Arsenal are unbeaten vs Forest since 1989 in the league.
Tactical analysis
Arsenal
- Manager: Mikel Arteta. Arsenal under him tend to play with possession, carefully constructed build-ups, and often press aggressively when out of possession. They don’t shy away from dominating games and spending time in the attacking third.
- Strengths: Strong squad depth, creative midfield options; good quality in chance creation. Also home advantage.
- Weaknesses / concerns: A number of injuries in key positions (defenders and attackers) could affect their fluidity. In recent match vs Liverpool, they created chances and had more attacks but ultimately weren’t clinical.
Nottingham Forest
- New manager Ange Postecoglou likely brings a shift in style from the more conservative, counter-attacking approach under Nuno. Expect higher pressing, more risk, more emphasis on proactive play.
- Defensive issues: Forest have struggled to keep clean sheets, especially away from home. Their defensive metrics, particularly expected goals conceded, have been poor recently.
- Player turnover / ineligibilities: Some absences or restrictions (e.g., Oleksandr Zinchenko can’t play against his parent club Arsenal). Also, Ola Aina is injured.
Key players & possible lineups
Arsenal likely XI / absentees
- Out:
- Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz (both knee injuries)
- Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and William Saliba (ankle) may miss.
- Christian Norgaard is touch and go.
- In / possible starters:
- Eberechi Eze might make his first start after arriving in summer.
- Noni Madueke probably starting on the right if Saka is unavailable.
- Cristhian Mosquera likely to deputise in defence for Saliba.
- Other midfield and defensive options include Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard, etc.
Nottingham Forest likely XI / absentees
- Out / unavailable:
- Ola Aina (hamstring) is sidelined.
- Oleksandr Zinchenko (loan from Arsenal) is ineligible to face the parent club.
- Nicolas Dominguez is out (knee).
- In / adjustments:
- Nicolo Savona may come in at right back.
- The midfield has Elliot Anderson, Joe Yates, etc. The attack includes Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, etc.
What to watch / tactical battles
- Arsenal’s Injured Defenders vs Forest’s attacking options: With Saliba and possibly Saka out, Arsenal’s backline may be more exposed. Forest under Postecoglou might try to exploit the wings or early transitions.
- High press vs possession: Postecoglou is known for pressing and aggressive transitions. Arsenal will need to be sharp in possession, avoid turnovers, and control the tempo.
- Set pieces: Given Forest’s defensive lapses, set plays could be especially useful for Arsenal.
- Psychological factor: New manager bounce for Forest – motivation will be high; Arsenal will want to assert dominance and show resilience after losing to Liverpool.
Prediction & odds
- According to models (e.g. Opta supercomputer), Arsenal are heavy favourites. One prediction puts their win probability at around 66.9%.
- Scoreline predictions in media vary: Sports Mole predicts 2-1 to Arsenal. Sportskeeda suggests maybe 3-1. Some see it as an opportunity for Arsenal to win comfortably if they are clinical. Arsenal 2-0 Forest or 2-1. Arsenal should dominate most phases, but Forest might get a goal — especially if Postecoglou’s changes work early.