Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest preview: Best free betting tips, odds and predictions

ARSENAL and Nottingham Forest return after the international break with the hosts desperate to get their title challenge back on track.

SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.

Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest preview

Are Arsenal still in the title race?

The Gunners sit fourth in the division with 19 points from their opening 11 matches of the season, which leaves them nine behind leaders Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta’s side have endured a miserable few weeks having taken just five points from a possible 15, suffering unexpected defeats to Bournemouth and Newcastle United.

Just three sides (Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town and Southampton) have collected fewer points over the last five league encounters with rock-bottom Saints their only win since the beginning of October.

It’s not all doom and gloom though given captain Martin Odegaard’s return and the fact they’ve won their last three home games against Nottingham Forest by an aggregate score of 12-1.

However, any more setbacks would likely rule them out of the title race and securing three points against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will be far easier said than done.

Forest have virtually an identical record to their opponents having won five, drawn four and lost two this season.

Nuno’s high-flying side are behind Arsenal by a single goal on goal difference and boast the second-best away record in the Premier League – including that famous 1-0 win at Anfield.

Chris Wood has been the main man for them in attack having struck eight goals this season, and he remains in form having scored a brace and hat-trick for New Zealand over the international break.

Defensively they’ve also been solid having managed four clean sheets with Liverpool the only side to have conceded fewer than Nottingham Forest’s 10 league goals.

It looks like it could be a battle of the set-piece specialists on Saturday. Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have both scored FIVE goals from set-plays this season – more than anyone apart from Aston Villa.

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest preview betting odds

• Arsenal 4/11 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

• Draw 19/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

• Nottingham Forest 17/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

SAFER GAMBLING WEEK – FIND OUT MORE HERE

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest preview betting tips and predictions

Booked

It’s unclear exactly how Mikel Arteta will set his side up on Saturday afternoon. However, the Spanish manager should have all of his midfield options fit and available for selection, and that could see Thomas Partey continue at right-back in the absence of Ben White.

Should that happen, the 31-year-old will have his hands full up against the lightning-quick Callum Hudson-Odoi, who will likely look to catch Arsenal cold on the counter. Partey has picked up two bookings in the league this season, while only Kai Havertz has committed fouls (19).

• Thomas Partey booked at 7/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

Tense

It’s unlikely to be raining goals at the Emirates on Saturday between two of the league’s best defences. They have a combined seven clean sheets between them and both rank in the top five for fewest goals conceded.

In fact, only Liverpool boasts a better xGC than either Arsenal (12.07) or Nottingham Forest (11.41) with four of the last five decided by a one-goal margin.

• Under 2.5 Goals at Evens with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.

*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.

*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10+ at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Acca, 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Football, 1 x £10 Bet Builder. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.

*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly

*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk