Big price banana skin arrive at the Emirates
Top versus bottom ahead of the Premier League weekend meet at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Nottingham Forest picked up a much needed three points in springing a surprise against Liverpool last time out, giving Steve Cooper’s men hope of pulling themselves out of the relegation zone in the not too distant future.
Arsenal dropped two points at Southampton last time out and will be feeling Manchester City closing the gap between them at the top of the table.
The Gunners are in Europa League action in midweek, but Mikel Arteta should be able to heavily rotate, allowing the key players to stay fresh for the visit of Forest.
Process
It is no surprise that the Gunners are comfortably out-performing Forest in both boxes so far this season, but back-to-back clean sheets will have given the visitors a huge boost in their confidence heading into this very tough test.
Forest have scored just eight from 14.3 expected goals (xG) for so far this season, leaving room for improvement in their finishing but also showing promise that they can cause problems at this level.
It was always going to take time for Forest to gel this season after so many signings arrived in the summer, and Cooper explained recently that he felt like pre-season extended into the season as it took the Welshman longer to assess his squad.
The bookmakers have gone so against Forest that it is hard to argue against there being value on taking the visitors with a large headstart on the Asian Handicap, but there are other angles into the fixture.
Arsenal will have been frustrated to only draw against the Saints and they have been able to rely on their home form in recent seasons, they should be able to put Forest to the sword and breaking the deadlock early could be key to that.
Goals?
Forest have the pace on the break to hurt Arsenal in transition, and from an attacking standpoint it was a very impressive display against Liverpool last time out.
Arsenal have scored in all 15 matches so far this season.
Arsenal have conceded in five of ten.
Arsenal have seen both teams score in five of ten.
Arsenal have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Forest have scored in five of ten.
Forest have conceded in seven of ten.
Forest have seen both teams score in three of ten.
Forest have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
5-0 Arsenal, a reality check for Cooper and Forest.