Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland Preview

• Draw or Forest win
• Both teams to score

Nottingham Forest remain in search of their first victory under new manager Ange Postecoglou, and patience among supporters may already be wearing thin. The Australian has overseen four matches so far (D2, L2), and although his team have shown moments of promise, they have struggled to convert leads into wins. In fact, Forest have squandered advantages in three of those games, raising questions about their defensive organisation and ability to manage pressure late in matches.

Their midweek UEFA Europa League draw against Real Betis highlighted both strengths and weaknesses. The 2-2 result showed attacking flair and resilience, but also exposed familiar lapses at the back. While the draw may provide confidence, it also extended Postecoglou’s unwanted record: he became the first permanent Forest boss since 1946 to go winless in his opening four fixtures. Returning to the City Ground could offer relief, but with four defeats in their last six home league games (W1, D1), home advantage is far from guaranteed to rescue them.

Sunderland, by contrast, continue to ride the positivity of their return to the top flight. With eight points from their opening five games (W2, D2, L1), they’ve equalled their second-best ever tally at this stage of a Premier League campaign, with only the 2009/10 season yielding more. Last week’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa was particularly encouraging, as Regis Le Bris’ side overcame adversity by equalising after being reduced to ten men. This resilience has become a defining characteristic of the Black Cats under Le Bris, who has instilled belief and discipline in his squad.

The one glaring weakness for Sunderland so far is their away record. They have yet to score on the road this season (D1, L1), and breaking that duck will be crucial if they are to maintain their upward momentum. A trip to the City Ground offers both opportunity and danger: Forest’s vulnerability at home could be exploited, but Sunderland will need to balance their adventurous style with the reality of playing in a hostile environment.

Head-to-Head History

This fixture rekindles a rivalry not seen at Premier League level since the 1996/97 season. In fact, these clubs have not met in any league competition since December 2017, adding extra anticipation to this clash. Historically, Sunderland have enjoyed recent superiority in the fixture, winning five of the last seven league H2Hs (L2).

Forest will hope that home support can tilt the balance back in their favour, but recent records suggest Sunderland may enter with quiet confidence. The Black Cats’ ability to step up in games against established top-flight opponents could be the difference, while Forest’s fragile defensive record is an area Sunderland may look to exploit.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Only three of Forest’s last 12 home league games have seen both teams score.
• Forest have conceded six goals after half-time this season – only West Ham (9) had conceded more ahead of this round.
• Sunderland are yet to score a first-half goal in the Premier League this season.
• Six of Sunderland’s seven league goals so far have come after the break.
• Sunderland are unbeaten in five of their last seven league meetings with Forest (W5, L2).

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

For Forest, Igor Jesus could play a central role. The forward has made an immediate impact, scoring braces in both of his Premier League starts so far.

All four of his goals have arrived before half-time, underlining his ability to provide Forest with a strong platform early in games. If he starts here, the home side will look to him to make the breakthrough once more.

On the Sunderland side, captain Granit Xhaka has been the driving force in midfield. His two assists this season have come in games where he was also booked, a statistic that reflects both his creativity and his combative edge.

Xhaka’s leadership and aggression will be vital if Sunderland are to manage the intensity of the City Ground.

In terms of absences, Forest remain without Ola Aina and Murillo, both of whom are key defensive players. These injuries have undoubtedly contributed to their vulnerability in the latter stages of matches. Sunderland, meanwhile, are without midfielder Habib Diarra, and their preparations are complicated further by the suspension of Reinildo Mandava, who was sent off against Aston Villa.

Prediction

This clash has the makings of a tightly contested affair between two clubs with very different objectives this season. For Nottingham Forest, the need to register a first win under Ange Postecoglou grows more urgent with every passing game, not least to restore confidence in both players and supporters. Their struggles to defend leads, combined with injuries to key defenders, mean they are far from a sure bet despite being at home.

Sunderland, on the other hand, will arrive with momentum and belief, buoyed by their early-season form and resilience under Le Bris. Yet their inability to score away from home so far poses a serious concern. Breaking that streak at the City Ground will be essential if they are to take all three points, but even creating chances against a Forest defence low on confidence could play in their favour.

Ultimately, this game is likely to be shaped by late drama. Forest’s tendency to concede after half-time and Sunderland’s knack for scoring in the second half sets up a clash that could swing either way in the closing stages. While Forest should have enough attacking firepower to finally get their first win of the season, Sunderland’s grit and fighting spirit suggest they won’t go down without a fight.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Sunderland

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Nottingham Forest v Sunderland | 2025/2026 | Premier League | Overview