Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Before the international break, both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest failed to get what they wanted — a couple of extra points. They must now make up lost ground in a head-to-head in London, where Arsenal, of course, are regarded as favourites.
Arsenal
For Arsenal, losing to Liverpool is nothing new (0:1), even though Liverpool looked vulnerable. Cohesion was lacking, but a late free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai decided it. For Arsenal, the most notable contribution came from new signing Noni Madueke. Of the team’s 0.49 xG, 0.14 xG belonged to him. The team also suffered another injury: in the fifth minute first-choice centre-back William Saliba left the pitch. The Frenchman will not return before the end of the month. His replacement, Cristhian Mosquera, performed well — he blocked two shots and won four of five duels. The new signing is likely to start again this Saturday.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest suffered a thoroughly unexpected defeat at the City Ground to the Premier League’s weakest and most out-of-form side, West Ham United (0:3). In truth, Nottingham Forest looked blunt: from 11 shots, only three were on target. The hosts worked so hard trying to break down West Ham United’s defence that they conceded three times in the final 10 minutes of normal time. That provided the club’s owner with the pretext to dismiss Nuno Espírito Santo. The team will now be led by Ange Postecoglou, familiar to all from his time at Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
A change in the dugout is more likely to hinder Nottingham Forest from taking points here. The Portuguese former coach had, on the whole, built a rapport with the players, and the dismissal does not look logical. On the contrary, it will hurt the squad — Arsenal will win by a two-goal margin. Injuries will not get in the way.
