WHILE Arsenal’s title charge is all but over, the Gunners can still make Manchester City work for it when they travel to the City Ground this evening.
But a defeat at Nottingham Forest would confirm Pep Guardiola’s side as Premier League champions.
Arsenal were thumped by Brighton at the Emirates last time out
Nottingham Forest edged closer to survival with a draw at Chelsea
And Mikel Arteta can be sure that the home side will be more than up for the occasion.
Victory for Forest would secure Premier League safety for Steve Cooper and Co if Leeds or Everton fail to win this weekend.
So there’s plenty riding on this one at what is sure to be a rocking City Ground.
Forest have been heavily reliant on their home form this season, and the Gunners will be entering the Lion’s den on Saturday evening.
Arsenal do not have fond memories of the ground either.
The Gunners were beaten 1-0 at Forest in the FA Cup third round back in January 2022.
But the visitors are a different team now, and will be desperate to end the season on a high.
Three points will at least make City have to beat Chelsea on Sunday to land a fifth title in six seasons.
A draw against Forest would mean City need just a point against the Blues, while an Arsenal defeat crowns Guardiola’s men as champions.
What is their form like?
Forest have lost just two Prem games at home since the turn of the year, and have lost only one out of their last four outings.
Cooper’s side earned a 2-2 draw at Chelsea last time out, and before that secured a huge 4-3 win at home to Southampton.
Arsenal on the other hand were thumped 3-0 at home by Brighton last week to effectively end their title aspirations.
Arteta and Co have only won two out of their last seven games.
Who will be the star men?
For the hosts, Morgan Gibbs-White has been superb in recent weeks.
He has three goals and two assists in his last five games for the club.
Morgan Gibbs-White has been influential in recent weeks for Forest
Arsenal meanwhile will be looking to skipper Martin Odegaard for inspiration following last week’s defeat.
The playmaker has scored 15 goals and provided seven assists in 35 Prem games this season.
Martin Odegaard has been key for the Gunners all season
What have the managers said?
Forest gaffer Cooper was proud of his players after earning a point against Chelsea last weekend.
He said after the draw at Stamford Bridge: “We gave everything today, we showed desire and belief but it is Chelsea away from home.
“It is as tough as it gets when Chelsea are at their best and they played some good football as well.
“We managed the game well, apart from the obvious, and we will take the point of course but we’ve also got to go a bit deeper and look at what went well and what we could do better next time.”
Arsenal boss Arteta apologised to fans following the Brighton defeat, saying: “First of all we have to apologise.
“Last week we were really proud and we stood with our chest out after the performance against Newcastle, and today we have to apologise for what happened in that second half.
“That is nowhere near the level that we have to show as a team and as a club.”
SunSport prediction
Arsenal will be desperate not to hand City the title before Guardiola’s side play at the weekend.
For that reason, the Gunners will have what it takes to negotiate the City Ground atmosphere, but it won’t be easy.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal
When is Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal?
- Nottingham Forest will look to end Arsenal’s title hopes once and for all TODAY – Saturday, May 20.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm UK time.
- City Ground in Nottingham is the allocated arena for this match and it can host approximately 30,445 fans.
- Arsenal ran riot in the reverse fixture by thrashing Forest 5-0.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
- Coverage is set to commence from 5pm UK time on both channels – 30 minutes before kick-off.
- Subscription members of NOW TV can stream the entire action live via the NOW TV website or app.
- Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage through our live blog which includes build-up and post-match reaction.
What is the team news?
Cooper will have to navigate the game with another lengthy injury list.
Scott McKenna, Neco Williams, Chris Wood, Dean Henderson, Omar Richards, Jack Colback, Giulian Biancone and Jonjo Shelvey are all set to miss the Gunners encounter.
Emmanuel Dennis and Gustavo Scarpa are also doubts for the match.
Arteta has some setbacks of his own after Gabriel Martinelli was ruled out for the rest of the season after picking up an injury against Brighton.
William Saliba, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny all remained sidelined.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is also a doubt.
What are the latest odds?
- Forest to win 19/4
- Draw 16/5
- Arsenal to win 8/15
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication
Gabriel Martinelli was spotted wearing a protective boot after coming off injured against Brighton
