Nottingham Forest vs Brentford Preview

• Draw or Forest win
• Více než 2,5 gólu

Nottingham Forest saw their dreams of FA Cup glory dashed at the weekend as they were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Manchester City in the semi-finals at Wembley. Conceding early significantly disrupted Nuno Espírito Santo’s game plan, and despite hitting the woodwork three times, Forest bowed out of the competition.

Attention now turns back to Premier League matters, where they remain firmly in the hunt for UEFA Champions League qualification. Results elsewhere dropped Forest down to fifth, but victory here would move them back into the top three, maintaining control over their European destiny.

Home form key for Forest

Forest will be determined to avoid back-to-back home defeats in the Premier League for the first time this season, having fallen to Everton in their last City Ground outing. Encouragingly, they have recent positive H2H form to lean on, having won the reverse fixture 2-0, which ended a previous six-match winless run against Brentford (D3, L3).

A strong performance here is vital to keep momentum on their side heading into the season’s final stretch, particularly with the Champions League within reach.

Brentford’s late-season surge

Despite a mid-season wobble, Brentford have rallied in recent weeks and still have an outside chance of securing a top-half Premier League finish for the second time in three seasons. A thrilling 4-2 win over Brighton last time out extended their unbeaten run to three matches (W2, D1), with the Bees now chasing a fourth straight unbeaten game for the first time this campaign.

Their revival has been particularly impressive on the road, where Brentford have won five of their last seven away league matches (D1, L1), despite failing to win any of their first nine Premier League trips this season. However, those two recent failures to win on the road came against sides starting the round above Forest, which may offer the hosts some confidence.

Key battles and players to watch

Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)

Forest’s main goal threat, Chris Wood, is aiming to make history by becoming just the second Forest player to reach 20 Premier League goals in a single season, following Stan Collymore (22 goals in 1994/95).

His presence in the box will be vital if Forest are to break down a stubborn Brentford backline.

Christian Nørgaard (Brentford)

The midfield engine for Brentford, Nørgaard has proven to be a good-luck charm this season.

The Bees are unbeaten across his six goalscoring appearances (W5, D1), and he netted in last season’s corresponding fixture (1-1 draw). His physical presence and aerial threat could pose a significant problem for the hosts.

Tactical overview

Expect Forest to play on the front foot, especially after their Wembley disappointment, with Gibbs-White and Elanga likely tasked with creating chances for Wood. Brentford will look to absorb pressure and hit on the counter, a tactic that has paid dividends on their recent travels.

Brentford’s ability to remain disciplined could be crucial here — they have received the fewest yellow cards in the Premier League this season (48) — which could give them an edge in maintaining structure against Forest’s lively attackers.

Hot stat

Brentford have conceded exactly once in each of their last five away Premier League matches.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Brentford

Forest’s need for a response after their FA Cup exit, combined with their excellent home record and Champions League motivation, should just about see them edge a competitive encounter against an in-form Brentford side.

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Nott’m Forest v Brentford, 2024/25 | Premier League