Arsenal will be hoping to continue their fine formplaceholder image
Arsenal will be hoping to continue their fine form | Getty Images
A look at the pundit predictions ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal are back in action on Saturday when they take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The Gunners have a six points ahead of Manchester City going into Saturday’s action, but they have been in cup action for the last week, winning the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.
The Gunners have been in excellent form of late, but Sean Dyche has a habit of frustrating teams, and his Forest side are improving, now seven points ahead of the drop. They come into this one hoping to make up for being on the wrong end of an FA Cup upset, losing on penalties to Wrexham in the third round.
Ahead of the City Ground clash, we have rounded up the predictions for the game from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton, SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson and the Metro’s Alan Shearer.
Paul Merson
“Nottingham Forest enjoyed a huge result against West Ham last time out in the Premier League. They could have been 2-0 down in that game and ended up winning 2-1 courtesy of an 89th minute penalty. That was a big win for them.
“But I just can't look beyond an Arsenal win here. This game is a potential banana skin for the Gunners. These are the kind of games that win you the league, not the one against Liverpool at home! Arsenal must turn up and perform in a game they are expected to win. If their attitude isn't right, they will be up against from the start. I expect them to take care of the result quite comfortably. Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal.”
Alan Shearer
“I don’t think it will be a routine win for Arsenal because I think Forest will make it really difficult. I think they’ll sit deep and frustrate. We saw against City what they can do when they’re like that, Forest can be tough. But I do think Arsenal will have too much with set-pieces and general play. Away win. Prediction – Arsenal win.”
Chris Sutton
“Nottingham Forest are out of the FA Cup, but by far their biggest result last week was their win at relegation rivals West Ham to end a four-game losing streak in the league. I don't see Sean Dyche's side getting anything here, though. They lost their two previous home games, against Manchester City and Everton, and Arsenal will make it a hat-trick of home defeats.
“This is the sort of game that Mikel Arteta's side seem to know how to win. It might be close, but I'd still back the Gunners to find a way. Prediction: 0-1.”
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