Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: 888sport

The FA Cup third round is finally upon us with this weekend’s set of fixtures offering up the chance for some major surprises. There are clubs up and down the draw who are going to be fancying their chances at reaching the fourth round, with everyone believing in the “magic of the cup” if only for one day. The game we’ll be focusing on takes place at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest prepare to square off against Premier League side Arsenal.

Nottingham Forest

The overwhelming history that resides within Nottingham Forest Football Club is something to behold but in the present day, they’re still waiting for that elusive return to top flight football in England. They’re definitely in the mix for a place in the play-offs but they’ve fallen victim to tailing off before, which is why a cup run could be exactly what they need to get back on track.

Team News

Mbe Soh, Mighten, Lowe, Osei-Tutu and Ely are all out for Forest with Keinan Davis hoping to make his debut alongside Steve Cook after both were signed in the last few days.

Arsenal

Arsenal’s main priority this season is going to be getting back into the top four and returning to the Champions League. Mikel Arteta appears to have put the right pieces in place for them to do just that but with no European football to focus on, they should definitely see the FA Cup as a great opportunity to win a piece of silverware. After all, they are the most successful club in the history of the competition.

Team News

Elneny, Aubameyang, Partey and Pepe are all away due to the Africa Cup of Nations, although Arteta is set to return to the sideline after his bout with COVID-19. Gabriel is suspended with Chambers and Kolasinac doubtful in what looks set to be a heavily-rotated Arsenal side.

Factors to Consider

• Back in 2018, Forest knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup 4-2.
• Forest have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Arsenal have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• Forest have scored eight goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored 20 goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

The “under the lights” element of this cup tie is going to be crucial for Forest if they’re going to come away with the win and for what it’s worth, we do actually think they’re going to take the lead. Alas, this Arsenal side has far more mental toughness than the one that came here back in 2018, which is why we’re backing Arteta’s men to fight back and eventually win the tie 3-1.

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: 888sport