Match Preview & Analysis
Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace Set for Fierce Encounter at City Ground
The Premier League is set to witness an intriguing matchup as Nottingham Forest hosts Crystal Palace at the City Ground on Sunday, 01 February 2026. With both teams looking to improve their standings in the league, this encounter promises to be a fiercely contested affair. The stakes are high, and a win for either side could significantly boost their campaign. Both Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace have shown glimpses of brilliance throughout the season, but consistency has been a major issue. As they face each other, it will be interesting to see which team can capitalize on the other's weaknesses and emerge victorious.
Match Details
- Competition: England Premier League
- Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
- Kick-off: 14:00 UTC
- Referee: M. Salisbury
Current Form
Nottingham Forest's recent form has been a mixed bag, with their home record reading WDLLDLLLLDWWLWLWLLLLWDW. Despite the inconsistency, they have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their last few matches. On the other hand, Crystal Palace's away form has been DDWDWWLDLWDWLWWLLLDLDLL, indicating that they have struggled to maintain a consistent run of results on the road.Team News & Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest will be without the services of John Victor and C. Wood due to knee injuries. N. Savona is also questionable with a knee injury. Despite these setbacks, Nottingham Forest is predicted to field a strong XI, with their key players ready to take on Crystal Palace. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, will be missing N. Clyne, D. Kamada, and E. Nketiah due to various injuries. A. Wharton will also be serving a suspension after receiving a red card. C. Doucoure is questionable with a knee injury. Crystal Palace's predicted lineup will likely feature their available key players, but the injuries and suspension might disrupt their rhythm.Head-to-Head
The last meeting between Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace ended in a 1-1 draw. The head-to-head history between the two teams suggests that matches are often closely contested, with neither side able to dominate the other. This history sets the stage for an intense encounter at the City Ground.Tactical Analysis
Given the recent form and available players, the match is likely to see a battle between Nottingham Forest's wingplay and Crystal Palace's low block. Nottingham Forest might look to exploit Crystal Palace's defensive vulnerabilities by utilizing their pacey wingers. In response, Crystal Palace could employ a low block, absorbing the pressure and looking to catch Nottingham Forest off guard on the counter. The key to success will lie in which team can effectively execute their strategy and adapt to the opposition's tactics.Match Prediction
Based on the current form and team news, Nottingham Forest is predicted to win the match. However, considering the head-to-head history and the potential for Crystal Palace to cause an upset, a double chance bet on Nottingham Forest or a draw seems like a sensible prediction. The final score is likely to be a closely contested affair, potentially ending in a 2-1 or 1-1 draw. Nevertheless, Nottingham Forest's home advantage and Crystal Palace's injury woes might just give them the edge they need to secure a narrow victory.Team Form
Nottingham Forest
Last 5: WDLLDLLLLDWWLWLWLLLLWDW
Crystal Palace
Last 5: DDWDWWLDLWDWLWWLLLDLDLL
Head to Head
Match Predictions
🏆 Winner: Nottingham Forest (Win or draw)
⚽ Goals: -1.5
🎯 Advice: Double chance : Nottingham Forest or draw