Arsenal supporters have had a love/hate relationship with Arsene Wenger over the course of the last few years. The one thing they can all agree upon is the fact that last year's FA Cup run was magical. This is a new year, though, and the Gunners don't feel anything like a team that can actually run through this tournament unscathed. The first team up to take their shot at the defending champs is Championship side, Nottingham Forest.
Don't miss the FA Cup action from City Ground at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, January 7, 2017. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX Sports 1.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Nottingham Forest – Check Back Later
Arsenal – Check Back Later
Draw – Check Back Later
Over/Under – Check Back Later
Odds Analysis
Under normal circumstances, Arsenal would probably be a much bigger favorite than it is ultimately going to be. The Gunners weren't exactly trusted through most of their matches in the FA Cup last year, and this isn't going to be an exception this season.
Arsenal will be favored by a goal, but there are sure to be a lot of bets on the opposite side of this game. Nottingham Forest is having a tough year in the middle of the Championship, but it has 10 wins in 25 matches in the second division this year and could be dangerous.
Tournament History
Nottingham Forest was knocked out of the FA Cup in the third-round last year by Wigan. It's been a while since the Reds beat a Premier League team in the FA Cup. The club did so four years ago against West Ham at home, but that 5-0 win was nothing in comparison to the challenge that is coming ahead against Arsenal.
The Gunners have been brilliant in the FA Cup over the course of the last few seasons. The team hoisted the Cup in three of the last four seasons. Last season's run wasn't all that impressive considering the fact that virtually no one of any huge note came up with the luck of the draw.
These two teams have had a long history with one another, meeting 98 times dating back to 1904. The Gunners are 50-22-26 in those previous 98 duels, including four straight in this series.
The Reds have just one win in this series since 1991, and that's when both of these teams were in the Premier League together in 1996.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Nottingham Forest has been in pretty poor form of late. The team heads into the new year with four straight matches without a victory against far inferior teams. There isn't much to really love about this team, at the moment for sure, but there's nothing like the magic of the FA Cup to put some pep into the step of a team that is down.
Keep a really close eye on 20-year old Kieran Dowell. He's one of the future stars of English soccer, and it's only a matter of time until he's playing in the top-flight. He's going to be the best offensive weapon for Nottingham Forest in this match, and he's the man who could take Arsenal by storm.
Still, the Gunners are just too strong to drop this match. Jack Wilshere is in really good form at the moment, and assuming that Alexis Sanchez is still at the Emirates when this match rolls around, there's little reason to believe the talent from the away side won't get the job done. We'll lay the goal on the Asian Handicap and bank on Arsenal to advance with ease.
FA Cup Odds: Arsenal 3, Nottingham Forest 0
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
