Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Preview
- Draw or Forest win
- Both teams to score
Nottingham Forest’s Respectable Start but Growing Concerns
Nottingham Forest have started the 2024/25 Premier League season much better than last term, securing 10 points from their opening seven matches (W2, D4, L1).
After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, this return is commendable. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo seems to have injected some stability following a full pre-season in charge.
However, Forest are now winless in three league games (D2, L1), and the momentum that helped them avoid the drop last season appears to be slowing.
Forest’s biggest challenge could be overcoming their poor home form, as they are winless in their last seven games at the City Ground across all competitions (D3, L4).
They’ll be keen to break that run here, but the history between these two sides suggests a close encounter. Five of the last six games against Crystal Palace have ended in draws, with Forest winning the sole exception.
Their home struggles are mirrored by a poor record from 2012, when they went eight home games without a win, including a 1-0 defeat to Palace.
Crystal Palace’s Search for a First Win
Crystal Palace have had a tough start to the season, yet to secure a victory after seven Premier League games (D3, L4). This form is surprising considering they ended last season on a high with six wins from their final seven matches (D1).
Despite this slump, reports suggest that manager Oliver Glasner retains the backing of the players, and there appears to be no immediate pressure on the Austrian boss.
One area of concern is Palace’s away form, as they’ve won just two of their last 16 Premier League away games (D6, L8).
Adding to their struggles is a ten-match winless run in top-flight meetings against Nottingham Forest, dating back to 1991 (D6, L4). Given their current form, extending this poor run and starting the season winless in eight matches for the first time since 1992/93 seems like a real possibility.
Key Players to Watch
Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)
Wood could become only the third player in Nottingham Forest’s history to score 20+ Premier League goals for the club with a goal in this match.
He has a strong record against Palace, scoring three of his four career goals against them inside the opening 30 minutes of matches. His physical presence and goal-scoring threat could prove vital if Forest are to break their winless home run.
Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
Eze has been Crystal Palace’s standout attacking player this season, attempting 27 shots, the third-highest in the Premier League ahead of this round.
However, his efforts have yielded just one goal so far. Eze’s creativity and attacking intent could be crucial if Palace are to finally break their winless streak and get their first league victory of the season.
Conclusion
With both sides struggling for form, this match has the makings of a closely fought contest. Nottingham Forest’s poor home record and Crystal Palace’s inability to win on the road mean that a draw could well be the most likely outcome.
However, Forest’s attacking threat, particularly from Chris Wood, could tip the balance in their favor, while Palace’s Eberechi Eze will be key to unlocking Forest’s defence.
Prediction: A hard-fought draw, with both teams sharing the points, but don’t rule out Forest snatching a narrow win if they can rediscover their home form.
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