League leaders Arsenal host newly promoted Nottingham Forest in EPL action this weekend. This will be the first top-tier clash between these two sides this century.
Arsenal comes into this one after a tricky week of fixtures. First, they failed to put away Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side in last weekend’s Premier League clash, dropping two points in a 1-1 draw. They followed it up with a tame performance in Europe against Dutch side PSV, losing 2-0.
Nottingham Forest comes into this match on the back of a massive win that saw them temporarily move off the bottom of the table. They have since gone back to the foot of the table after their legendary 1-0 win against Liverpool.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest FYIs
Kick Off: Oct 30, 2022, at 2 pm UK at Emirates Stadium
After Extra Time Pod: Apple Spotify
Arsenal Starting XI Prediction: Go here
Google Result Probability: Arsenal 80% Draw `13% Nottm. Forest 7%
PL Position, Form Guide: Arsenal 1st, 28pts WWWWD Nottm Forest 20th, 9pts LDLDW
Team News
Arsenal has picked up a few new injuries after their Europa League loss to PSV.
Mohamed Elneny, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Emile Smith Rowe all remain out of contention for this one. Here are the latest comments on the newest trio admitted to the medical room.
Matt Turner (Groin)
“Yesterday in training, he had some discomfort in his groin. He tried this morning, but he wasn’t well, so Aaron had to play. We’ll have to assess him. It didn’t look [like] a serious injury.” [Oct 27]
Marquinhos (Illness)
“He had a high fever. No point in risking him.” [Oct 27]
Gabriel (Knee)
“Gab is suffering from Iliotibial Band Syndrome.” [Oct 27]
Match Prediction
As good as Forest’s victory over Liverpool was, they needed a near-perfect performance, along with some profligacy from their opponents in front of goal. We don’t think Arsenal will afford them such luxury. Having said that, the Tricky Trees have proved they can beat anyone on their best day. The only question that remains is, is it their day?
Stuart Kavanagh is a journalist currently residing in Broken Hill, Australia. He writes for the Barrier Truth newspaper, along with being the owner of the sports and entertainment website thepyrrhic.com, He co-hosts the ‘After Extra Time’ podcast and contributes at edgeofthecrowd.com when time permits. He is also the Media & Communications Director at the Newosis Mental Health Foundation. You can find more about the work Newosis Mental Health Foundation does here.
Football mad, he is always down for debate and discussion at @stueyissickofit on Twitter.