Arsenal aim to extend strong run as struggling Nottingham Forest visit looms

Nottingham Forest face a difficult test when they host Arsenal in the seventh round of the Premier League on Sunday, 18 October 2026. The match at the City Ground begins at 15:30 GMT, with the hosts looking to halt a poor start to the season and Arsenal seeking another victory to strengthen their position among the leading sides.

Arsenal have won their past two matches, beating Leeds in the league before overcoming Lille in the Champions League. The Gunners have shown considerable attacking efficiency during that run, although their defensive performances have left room for improvement.

Their ability to secure narrow victories could prove important at the City Ground. Arsenal arrive with the stronger recent record and will be expected to control much of the contest, but Nottingham Forest’s home advantage gives the hosts an opportunity to challenge the visitors.

Forest have collected only one win from their opening six league fixtures. Their record also includes two draws and three defeats, while successive losses have increased the pressure ahead of Arsenal’s visit.

The home side have created a number of chances but have struggled to convert them. Greater efficiency in front of goal will be essential if they are to compete with an Arsenal team that has been more reliable in attack.

Arsenal hold recent advantage

The overall head-to-head record in the Premier League strongly favours Arsenal. They have won eight of the clubs’ past 11 meetings, with Nottingham Forest claiming one victory and the other two matches ending in draws.

However, the last two fixtures between the teams at Forest’s ground finished 0-0. That record provides the hosts with some encouragement, despite Arsenal’s clear advantage across the wider sequence of recent encounters.

The match will be broadcast in a number of territories. In France, coverage is available on Canal+ Live 1 and myCanal. In Belgium, viewers can watch on Proximus Pickx, Play Sports 1 and Play Sports, while Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Ultra HD will show the game in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

In Germany and Austria, the match is on Sky Sport Premier League, Sky Go and WOW. DAZN has the rights in Spain and Italy, with Viaplay Netherlands showing it in the Netherlands. Coverage in Poland is provided by Canal+ and Canal+ Extra 1, while DAZN Portugal will broadcast the fixture in Portugal. SuperSport covers sub-Saharan Africa, and beIN Sports is the broadcaster for the Maghreb and Middle East.

Arsenal are rated the clear favourites, with a 62% chance of victory compared with 23% for a draw and 15% for Nottingham Forest. The predicted score is a 2-0 Arsenal win.

The listed betting odds are 5.80 for a Nottingham Forest victory, 3.90 for a draw and 1.61 for an Arsenal win.