Nottingham Forest vs Fulham Preview

• Forest win
• Wood to score

Nottingham Forest’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season continues as they return to the City Ground to face Fulham.

While Forest’s form has been impressive away from home, their winless run at their home ground poses a challenge as they look to maintain momentum against a tricky opponent.

Nottingham Forest: Unbeaten Start But Home Form a Concern

Few expected Nottingham Forest to remain unbeaten after their first five Premier League games this season (W3, D2), and their hard-fought 2-2 draw against fellow unbeaten side Brighton last weekend showcased their determination and resilience.

Impressively, Forest have now gone five consecutive Premier League away matches without defeat for the first time since 1995. However, this success on the road hasn’t been replicated at the City Ground.

Both of Forest’s home matches this season have ended in 1-1 draws against Bournemouth and Wolves, extending their winless home run to five games (D3, L2).

Their inability to convert home advantage into wins will concern the fans, especially considering their record against Fulham, where they have lost eight of their last 11 league head-to-heads (W3). However, they can take heart from their 3-1 victory in this fixture last season.

Fulham: Searching for Away Consistency

Fulham travels to the City Ground after a statement 3-1 win over Newcastle United at Craven Cottage, where they demonstrated their ability to challenge top-tier sides. Despite this, their away form has been less impressive, particularly against ‘lesser’ sides.

Their last league trip resulted in a 1-1 draw against newly promoted Ipswich, taking their away record in the Premier League to just three wins in their last 20 games (D7, L10).

While Fulham’s struggles away from SW6 are evident, they hold a psychological edge over Nottingham Forest, having won more league games against them than against any other club in their history (42).

This historical dominance will provide a confidence boost for Marco Silva’s side as they look to secure a much-needed win on the road.

Key Players to Watch

Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)

The striker has been a key contributor for Forest this season, scoring three goals, each of which opened the scoring for his side. Wood’s ability to find the net early in matches has been pivotal for Forest’s unbeaten start, and he will look to replicate that threat against Fulham’s defence.

Emile Smith Rowe (Fulham)

Since joining Fulham over the summer, Smith Rowe has made an immediate impact, registering three goal contributions in five Premier League matches (2 goals, 1 assist).

His all-around play and ability to influence games in the attacking third were on display in his recent Man of the Match performance, where he scored during Fulham’s win over Newcastle.

The Battle at the City Ground

Forest will hope to end their winless run at home and build on their unbeaten start. Chris Wood’s early goal-scoring ability and their strong away form could give them the confidence to improve their record at the City Ground.

However, Fulham’s historical success in this fixture and their solid attacking options, led by the in-form Emile Smith Rowe, suggest that the visitors will be eager to capitalise on Forest’s vulnerability at home.

Can Forest Turn the City Ground Into a Fortress?

With Forest struggling to secure home wins, this match presents an opportunity to assert their dominance on their own turf.

Their attacking strength and defensive resilience away from home have been highlights, and replicating that form at the City Ground could lead to a breakthrough against Fulham.

Fulham’s Away Challenge: Overcoming Inconsistencies

Fulham’s away record remains their biggest challenge, and their ability to find consistency against teams outside the top half will be crucial.

If they can bring the attacking energy shown in their recent home win to this fixture, they may well add to their long-standing winning record against Forest.

Final Thoughts

The matchup between Nottingham Forest and Fulham promises to be a competitive contest between two sides with differing forms. Forest aims to end their winless home streak, while Fulham looks to find consistency away from home.

With in-form players like Chris Wood and Emile Smith Rowe, both teams have the attacking firepower to make this an entertaining clash.

Will Forest secure their first home win of the season, or can Fulham extend their historical dominance with another victory?

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Nottm Forest v Fulham, 2024/25 | Premier League