“Nottingham Forest is always like six points anyway” - Arsenal legend aims dig at Premier League opponents ahead of upcoming clash

Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman has taken a dig at Nottingham Forest ahead of the two sides clash this weekend. They will face off at the Emirates on their return to Premier League action on Saturday, November 23.

The Gunners sit fourth in the league table after 11 games, sitting nine points behind leaders Liverpool. Nottingham, meanwhile, have surprised everyone this season so far, and sit fifth in the table. They are level on points with Mikel Arteta's side but behind only on goal difference.

On his podcast Seaman Says, David Seaman suggested that if Arsenal have Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice available, they should win the game. He said (via NottinghamForest News):

“If Declan is fit and Bukayo is fit then we are more or less at full strength, and at home yeah you know so we should."

Former Manchester United defender Mike Phelan, who was on the podcast with Seaman, asked him:

"So it’s a 4-0 win then yeah.”

The former English goalkeeper replied:

“Nottingham Forest is always like six points anyway. Not anymore.”

Arsenal have won six of their last seven Premier League games against Nottingham Forest. Their last defeat against the Tricky Trees was their 1-0 loss at the City Ground in May 2023. That result confirmed Nottingham's stay in the Premier League and the Gunners' official defeat in the title race that season.

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Declan Rice expected to be fit for Arsenal's clash against Nottingham, as per journalist

Declan Rice suffered a foot injury in the Gunners' 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before the international break. He went off in the 71st minute and consequently, didn't travel with England for their UEFA Nations League fixtures this month.

Journalist Charlie Watts recently provided an update on Rice's fitness ahead of Arsenal's game against Nottingham Forest, saying:

“I wanted to start on the midfield because I think it’s really interesting what Mikel Arteta may well potentially do or the options he has to pick from going into this weekend’s game.

“Now, of course a lot of this revolves around whether Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, I suppose, but more specifically Declan Rice is fit enough to start this game. Didn’t finish the game against Chelsea obviously with that toe injury, didn’t play for England… but the expectation is he should be okay for this weekend, so hopefully that will be the case.”

Rice has scored one goal and provided two assists in 14 games across competitions for Arsenal this season. He will hope to be back and help them break their run of four league games without a win.