Nottingham Forest

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 13, he takes on boxer Sunny Edwards who is a Chelsea fan.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

For some reason people often think that I am quite petty when it comes to these predictions, and that I occasionally use them to make a point.

So I would like to remind Ipswich fans that I correctly predicted they would draw 1-1 with Manchester United last week and, importantly, the points I earned for that handed me victory in that round of games.

I know that many Ipswich fans were pleased for me and I think it showed that, despite my allegiance to Norwich, I don't hold any grudges against them.

On to this week, and I hope Ipswich get absolutely pumped by Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

I should explain that Forest were my boyhood team, so that is the only reason why I am rooting for them here. Mind you, if Forest play like they did in their previous home game against Newcastle, then I will be sending my replica shirt back to the club shop and giving up on them again.

Being serious, though, I like this Ipswich team. They have got some good players and play some good football. They deserved to beat United and would have done if not for a couple of superb saves by Andre Onana.

Still, I expect Forest to bounce back at the City Ground after two defeats in a row. Chris Wood has to be back in the team after starting last weekend's defeat against Arsenal on the bench, but if he plays then they will come out on top.

Edwards' prediction: 1-1

Ipswich did well against United and their striker Liam Delap is very sought after - we are one of the teams who are supposed to be after him.

Read the full predictions and have your say

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BBC Radio Suffolk's Brenner Woolley, speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast about whether Ipswich can look to Nottingham Forest as an example of what they could become: "They undoubtedly are looking along those lines [of what Forest have done].

"Anything outside the bottom three will do this season. I know some fans have got a bit carried away off the back of the past two results, talking about them finishing 15th or 14th, but the vast majority would take 17th place and then build from that base. Like Forest have done and, with all due respects, smaller clubs than Ipswich Town like Bournemouth and Brentford. Look at those as yardsticks and think, 'why not?'

"Once you get to that stage, I can understand why you are looking at Aston Villa or Brighton who have taken the extra step and gone into European competition. That is a lot further down the road for Ipswich Town.

"I understand completely and do see the parallels between the two clubs.

"It is going to be very difficult if the likes of Wolves and West Ham pick up form - they are going to be down there around the bottom four or five, but let's just hope they can finish somewhere in the top two of that mini-league."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Mum's the word when Chris Wood faces Dara O'Shea at the City Ground on Saturday.

The Ipswich defender and Nottingham Forest striker Wood never played with each other but share a special bond.

They were at West Brom and Burnley at different times but Republic of Ireland international O'Shea lived with Wood's parents, Julie and Grant, when he was a young player at the Baggies.

The couple offered Baggies players digs while they were living away from their own homes.

It meant Wood would return home and, on occasion, find O'Shea - who joined Ipswich from Burnley in the summer - relaxing in the living room.

He said: "A couple of times! Unfortunately, I was never too close to Birmingham the times he was there. I was at other clubs across the country. It worked well for Dara and my parents and they have stayed in contact, at least at parent level with his mum and dad.

"It was a nice way to give back and feel part of the club. They've had a number of boys and one of those was Dara, who's done extremely well over the years. He did well at West Brom, when he went to Burnley and now at Ipswich.

"Mum and dad are extremely nice to take in players as digs parents. It's a great way to give back to a club which gave me a huge stepping stone in my career. They took a big chance on a Kiwi boy from New Zealand."

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Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi says the team's "togetherness" is the key to their strong start to this season and they do not believe that they are overachieving by sitting seventh in the Premier League table.

"We can't get distracted or big-headed about what has been happening," said Hudson-Odoi on BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast.

"We have to make sure we're pushing ourselves daily to get results because every game is important.

"We have high expectations of ourselves because the quality we have in the squad is amazing. If we push each other every day, as players and fans, then the results will come.

"There is nothing we can't achieve together and it is very important to have that mindset.

"Last season was difficult but we pushed together and got enough to stay in the Premier League. Football is not easy but that togetherness makes us stronger.

"We have a good bond off the pitch."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

The latest episode Shut Up And Show More Football is available now and in this week's show, BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray talks exclusively to Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi about his form, his England chances and the side's season so far.

BBC Radio Suffolk's Brenner Woolley also joins the podcast to give a bit of insight about Ipswich Town before Saturday's Premier League game.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Ipswich Town (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson and Danilo will be assessed but could all be in contention, while Anthony Elanga "came out [of the last match] with a very painful situation but doctors are taking care of him".

• After two successive Premier League defeats, the Forest boss said he is "concerned" but that he is "also concerned when we play good and we win because there are always issues to address and to improve".

• On how many goals they have conceded after a good start to the season defensively: "The first reaction we must have as a club, as a squad, everybody - we cannot be this kind of team. We cannot be a team that concedes lots of goals because that moves us far away from winning games. It changes totally the dynamic of the game when you score first or concede first."

• He added: "Our reaction is to work hard and be aware of that and the players realise that the first objective is a clean sheet - simple as that."

• On if there has been an element of complacency: "No, it is not that, it does not have anything to do with that. We look at the games different. Newcastle, Arsenal, totally different games. We are focused on our game. But complacency? It is unnegotiable. That is not part of us."

• Nuno believes things "are going well" in talks over a new contract for Ola Aina, but added: "I am a coach, I give my opinion on Aina as a player and person. But other people in the club take care of these decisions."

• Despite Elanga's difficult start to the campaign, Nuno feels a goal is coming and added: "I would say not a crisis [of confidence]. What is important is this belief that things are going to come, the way he works, the way he tries things. We just have to give him trust that he is going to perform the same way as he did before and even better."

• On the importance of three points against Ipswich with difficult-looking games coming up: "All of December is going to be tough. The points are the same in all the games and all the teams are tough to play against. There is no difference in approach because of our opponents. First, Saturday and then we think about the rest."

Read about Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Callum Hudson-Odoi has created more chances (18) and had more touches in the opposition box (40) than any other Nottingham Forest player this season.

Pat Riddell
Fan writer

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The story of this Premier League season is not new managers, but injuries.

Manchester City have famously struggled without Ballon d'Or winner Rodri while Liverpool are the only side to keep plugging away at the top of the table, despite the loss of Alisson and now Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Arsenal's form stuttered in recent weeks without Martin Odegaard - their captain as key to the Gunners' title ambitions as Mohamed Salah is to Liverpool's. And it was the former who made Nottingham Forest pay at the weekend.

The Reds, of course, were missing both Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson - the creative drive and both a significant part of Forest's success this season. Nuno Espirito Santo's side have coped with the loss of both Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare this campaign, but the midfield is clearly a different proposition with all four missing.

There is no shame in losing to Arsenal, but the timing is clearly unfortunate - last month was perhaps a better time to face them.

More pertinent, though, is the double-whammy of losing our two most creative players while conceding three goals for the second game in a row.

This run of fixtures was always going to test us and you cannot read too much into one result or performance. But with two challenging games away in Manchester to come, plus Aston Villa and Tottenham at home, it will be interesting to see the team's response.

Nuno's squad is big and talented enough not to rely on the same starting XI every week, but as the season goes on there will be more and more demands.

The club's fitness and conditioning team have proved their worth so far - particularly given our difficulties just a few years ago. We just have to hope that injured players are quick to return and the Reds can maintain some momentum.

Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, which the Gunners won 3-0.

Here are some of your comments:

Arsenal fans

Matt: Odegaard makes the whole team tick - beautiful footballer to watch. And for the first time, we were watching seven or eight subs warming up most of whom could have started.

Guy: Arsenal played well and controlled the match. Having Timber available to cover White was good and hopefully that back four can stay fit. Having Saka and Odegaard back is important. I think the international break came at the right time for us to get players back and fit.

Ebeiyamba: It was a dominating performance by the Gunners. I can only hope they keep up the tempo. The league title is still within their reach.

Darren: Odegaard completely changes the way we play! What a player, involved in everything, a great leader and unlucky not to get a goal - not to mention that Saka is twice the player with him in the team. They love each other. Nwaneri will be one of the best players ever to wear an Arsenal shirt also!

Forest fans

Doug: Not our best performance, but in fairness Arsenal played a lot better than us. Nuno needs to get the lads to dig deep for our next game as we definitely don't want to lose three on the bounce. But, I do think we can turn it around.

Jim: Toothless performance but against a strong Arsenal team with Odegaard a class above the best of our midfield. We'll bounce back though.

John: We got what we deserved - nothing. We missed Wood, Gibbs-White and Anderson. No bite or creativity in midfield and you could see the goals coming with the gaps. Arsenal are too big and strong in the air so no chance with high balls, defending or attacking - and we did precious little of the latter. Hope our top players are back next week.

David: Awful display. Continue like this and we will looking over our shoulders by Christmas. Offered nothing, deserved nothing. Do not understand why we just did not have a go. Blown away by too good Arsenal.

Nottingham Forest are in advanced discussions with full-back Ola Aina over a new contract. The 28-year-old Nigeria international's current deal runs out in the summer, meaning he will be free to negotiate with overseas clubs from January. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column

Highlights and analysis from Saturday's seven Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

• Manchester City 0-4 Tottenham

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Nottingham Forest suffered their first away defeat in eight Premier League games (W5 D2), leaving Liverpool as the only side still unbeaten on the road this term.

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking to BBC MOTD: "They played well and we didn't play so well. Arsenal were the better team.

"Second half we became more pressing but they killed us with the second and third goals. There's not much to say. We have to improve because we did a lot of bad things - especially with the defending. Losing is always very painful. We came up short."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Arsenal's performance, external

What did you make of Nottingham Forest's display?, external

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Seven matches make up Saturday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.

• Leicester v Chelsea - 12:30

• Bournemouth v Brighton

• Arsenal v Nottingham Forest (listen on BBC Radio 5 Live)

• Aston Villa v Crystal Palace

• Everton v Brentford

• Fulham v Wolves

• Man City v Tottenham - 17:30 (listen on BBC Radio 5 Live)

Kick-offs 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 12 he takes on The Farm singer and Liverpool fan Peter Hooton.

The Farm's new single, Forever & Ever, is out now and their new album, Let The Music (Take Control), is released in May 2025.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Arsenal cannot keep on dropping points and I would be a little worried about them if Declan Rice is not fit enough to feature here.

But at least Martin Odegaard is coming back to full fitness after his injury, and I feel like he will be the difference.

Sometimes it is only when a player is missing that you realise how important they are to a side, and that has definitely been the case with Odegaard, because Arsenal have not been the same without him in the final third.

Odegaard is their one player who is on a different level when he is on the ball, and almost plays a different game. He has that incredible awareness and understanding that allows him to knit everything together, and Arsenal will need that against Nottingham Forest.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side will be stubborn and difficult to break down, we know that. They have already beaten Liverpool at Anfield this season, but I think Arsenal will find a way to win.

Hooton’s prediction: 2-2

This is a must-win for Arsenal because they are already off the pace. Mikel Arteta went from everyone wanting him gone a few years ago, to being one of the greatest things since sliced bread, but now the pressure is back on him. Arsenal have got to win but they are at home and they are a different proposition there so I think they will do it, as long as the crowd don't get too anxious if Forest frustrate them at first.

There is a bit of complacency when teams play Forest because they think they are a bottom-of the-table side, but they are fifth at the moment for a reason. They have surprised a lot of people this season - including us.

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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In the latest episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up and Show More Football podcast, reporter Colin Fray explains how the November international break could actually have a negative effect on Nuno Espirito Santo's side, before their trip to Arsenal on Saturday.

The early-season form of centre-back Murillo was rewarded with a first senior call-up for Brazil, while in-form forward Chris Wood continued his fine exploits for New Zealand, scoring five times across two matches for the Kiwis.

"It is as difficult for Forest as it is for any other side," said Fray. "We have been focused on Murillo, but Arsenal have Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli as part of that same Brazil squad. They are in exactly the same situation.

"It's nothing new for Chris Wood to effectively travel the circumference of the globe to go and play for New Zealand. I suppose then you say, fair play to Chris Wood.

"What you know is if Chris Wood's body doesn't feel right, he won't go and do it. He is in such good form at the moment but he just wants play football."

In Forest's first game after the October international break, Nuno's team won 1-0 at Anfield to inflict a first defeat on new Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

"Forest have got to hope that they come back in similar fashion as before," added Fray. "The first game back after the previous international break was at Liverpool, of course.

"They will need a similar performance as that against Arsenal."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds now

Image source, Getty Images

Earlier, we asked you who scored Nottingham Forest's first Premier League goal of the 2024-25 season.

The answer is Chris Wood, who netted in the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on 17 August.