Prediction: Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 1/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Premier League returns to our screens once again this weekend as we begin the final countdown to the World Cup, which will mark the first ever extended winter break for this incarnation of the top flight. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at what can be described as something of a David vs Goliath collision with Arsenal welcoming Nottingham Forest to North London on Sunday afternoon.

Arsenal

Arsenal fans probably can’t quite believe how well the season has gone thus far but under the tutelage of Mikel Arteta, it does feel as if they’re on their way to achieving some great things. The Gunners have a squad stacked full of talent and the only issue they’ll have is if they start to let their success overwhelm them, which is why maintaining top spot by the winter break is going to be so important.

Nottingham Forest

Up until last weekend, it looked like Nottingham Forest would disappear from the Premier League as quickly as they entered it – and then, they beat Liverpool. You could make the argument that it was nothing more than an anomaly of a result but given the heart, grit and determination this team showed, we don’t think it’s at all ridiculous to imagine a world in which they make a real go at survival.

Factors to Consider

• Arsenal are 1st in the Premier League, whereas Forest are 20th.
• Arsenal have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Forest have won one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored seven goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• Forest have scored four goals and conceded nine in their last six games.

Conclusion

There’s bound to be a nervous atmosphere at the Emirates given their last few results but if there was ever a game laid out perfectly for them to bounce back, it’s this one. Forest are bound to sit deep with the hope of catching the hosts with a set piece but against a side with this much confidence, we don’t think it’ll be enough, with the classic ‘1-0 to the Arsenal’ song being sung out at full time.

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 1/5

Bookmaker: 888sport