Nottingham Forest face one of their toughest tests of the season when Premier League champions Arsenal visit the City Ground on Sunday afternoon.
Oliver Glasner’s side return home needing a response after back-to-back league defeats.
Forest lost 1-0 to Coventry City before the international break and were beaten 3-1 at Crystal Palace last weekend. Dan Ndoye gave them an early lead but missed chances allowed Sarah to take control.
The final score did not tell the full story and Forest created enough opportunities to close the contest, only to be punished for failing to finish off their best opening.
This wastefulness cannot continue against Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side have won five of their six Premier League matches and responded strongly to their shock defeat at Brighton with a 2-1 win over Leeds and Tuesday’s Champions League win over Lille.
Arsenal’s last six visits to the City Ground | |||
|---|---|---|---|
History | Competition | The result | Arsenal result |
January 17, 2026 | Premier League | Nottingham Forest – Arsenal 0:0 | draw |
February 26, 2025 | Premier League | Nottingham Forest – Arsenal 0:0 | draw |
January 30, 2024 | Premier League | Nottingham Forest 1:2 Arsenal | Boil |
May 20, 2023 | Premier League | Nottingham Forest 1:0 Arsenal | Defeat |
January 9, 2022 | FA Cup | Nottingham Forest 1:0 Arsenal | Defeat |
January 7, 2018 | FA Cup | Nottingham Forest 4:2 Arsenal | Defeat |
Arsenal took time to break down Lille, but three second-half goals showed how quickly they can punish a tiring defence.
Forest can take encouragement from Arsenal’s recent visits to the City Ground, with their last two Premier League meetings in Nottingham ending goalless, with the hosts frustrating the Gunners thanks to organization and discipline.
Glasner will need a similar defensive effort on Sunday, particularly welcoming the latest update on Nikola Milenkovic.
Nottingham Forest have backed Nikola Milenkovic ahead of the Arsenal clash
The Serbian centre-back has returned to training after being sidelined for several weeks with hamstring problems and bone bruises.
“Milenkovic trained for the first time today, so we’ll see how he reacts,” Glasner told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
“He could be in the matchday squad.”
That doesn’t mean Milenkovic will start and Forest will have to assess how his body reacts, but also take into account his lack of action in the last match.
Even a place among the substitutes would be a significant step forward.
Milenkovic offers strength, assurance, aerial power and experience at the heart of Glasner’s back line, and his ability to organize those around him could be valuable against an Arsenal attack that can throw defenders out of position and strike with little warning.
He will also provide Forest with another threat from corners and free-kicks, areas that could provide the best route to goals against the champions.
Glasner has other fitness issues to manage.
Morgan Gibbs-White is a doubt after picking up a minor muscle injury in the defeat at Palace. He practiced separately on Friday and was to be evaluated after attempting to rejoin the group.
Nicolo Savona and Igor Jesus have already been ruled out, leaving Forest without two more useful options.
Arsenal have their own problems.
Piero Hincapie is unavailable after picking up an injury in the warm-up against Leeds, although Martin Zubimendi could return after making better progress with his recovery.
Glasner must decide if Milenkovic is ready to contribute immediately, or if saving him for future games is a smarter move.
Forest cannot afford another setback with one of their most important defenders. However, the chance to have him back in the lineup should boost a team looking for confidence.