ARSENAL will set out to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they play host to Nottingham Forest at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.
After triumphing in nine of their opening 10 top-flight fixtures of the season, the Gunners had their title hopes dented last Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Southampton.
That setback on the south coast coupled with Man City's victory against Brighton means the reigning champions have trimmed the gap at the top of the table to just two points.
Following Thursday's 2-0 loss at PSV in the Europa League, Mikel Arteta's side will be desperate to avoid a three-game winless run when they welcome Nottingham Forest this weekend.
After enduring a real baptism of fire following their two-decade exile from the top-flight, the Tricky Trees look to be getting to grips with their new surroundings having avoided defeat in three of their last four league games.
Steve Copper's side held firm to secure a famous 1-0 victory against Liverpool last weekend and they will now aim to emulate that superb performance at the Emirates on Sunday.
Outright Betting
Arsenal are red-hot 1/5 favourites with Bet 365 to make it six Premier League home wins on the spin.
Nottingham Forest are winless in six top-flight road trips this term and the bookmakers' fully expect that trend to continue, with a Tricky Trees triumph trading at a towering 16/1 (Betfred) while the draw can be backed at a best 13/2 (Betfred) with the same firm.
Betting Angles
Arsenal are too short to side with at the aforementioned quote so I'll get creative and merge Arsenal to win, under five match goals and over zero Nottingham Forest cards at 4/5 with Bet 365.
Mikel Arteta's team have a far more solid look about them this term and that is evidenced by that fact that they boast joint-second best defensive record in the division.
What's more, seven of the Gunners' nine Premier League wins this season have featured four goals or fewer, and I suspect the hosts will notch another comfortable if unspectacular win this weekend.
While Nottingham Forest are still propping up the Premier League table, their recent upturn in form has been built on a solid defensive unit so Steve Cooper's side should be able to keep this respectable.
With Arsenal likely to dictate the tempo of the game, and Forest looking to sit deep and soak up pressure, I'll also back the visitors to collect at least one card during this contest – something the City Ground side have managed in each of their 12 league games this season so far.
When you consider that the aforementioned Bet Builder would have paid out in seven of Arsenal's nine league wins this season to date, supporting the same combination on Sunday holds appeal at 4/5 (Bet 365).
One player who could be worth considering for a caution is Nottingham Forest right-back Serge Aurier who has been priced up at 4/1 (UniBet) to have his name taken.
The former Tottenham man has been no stranger to Premier League referees' notebooks over the years and the Ivorian should have his hands full here against in-form Arsenal man Gabriel Martinelli.
This English Premier League match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest will be played on Oct 30, 2022 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
