Nottingham Forest return to Premier League action following their progress to the next round of the FA Cup after a victory against Exeter. Fulham, who drew their last EPL game on the road against Everton, can only hope for all three points to cheer their fans. Ahead of the clash, Kick Off Nigeria editor Ayomide Oguntimehin provides betting tips and predictions.
Match Preview: Fulham vs Nottingham Forest
The Reds secured a shocking 7-0 victory at the City Ground Stadium against Brighton & Hove Albion in their last Premier League match, sending a stern warning to opponents in the league. Sitting third in the EPL standings, just three points behind second-placed Arsenal, Nuno Espírito Santo’s men hope to finish the 2024-25 season on a high note.
Meanwhile, Fulham, who have won two, lost one, and drawn one in their last five games in February, are hoping to give their fans something to cheer about at Craven Cottage, fresh off a 2-1 victory against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup. Although Forest’s game seems like a bigger challenge, Marco Silva’s boys will be aiming for a home victory.
Head-to-Head Matches (Last Five Meetings)
- 2024: Nottingham 0-1 Fulham
- 2024: Nottingham 3-1 Fulham
- 2023: Fulham 5-0 Nottingham
- 2023: Fulham 2-0 Nottingham
- 2022: Nottingham 2-3 Fulham
Based on these head-to-head records, Fulham appear to have a stronger chance of winning, having secured four victories in their last five meetings against Nottingham Forest, including dominant 5-0 and 2-0 wins in 2023. However, Forest’s 3-1 win in 2024 shows they are capable of challenging their opponents.
Recent Form: Fulham
Fulham have shown promising form in recent weeks, securing important wins while facing a few setbacks. Their latest outing saw them progress in the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Wigan, following an impressive 2-1 away win against Newcastle in the Premier League. However, they suffered a narrow 0-1 home defeat to Manchester United, breaking their momentum. Before that, they claimed a solid 2-0 away win over Leicester but were edged out in a 3-2 loss to West Ham.
At home, their performances have been mixed. While they suffered a 0-1 defeat to Manchester United, they showcased their attacking strength in a 4-1 FA Cup win over Watford. They were held to back-to-back 2-2 draws against Ipswich and Bournemouth, showing vulnerability in defense. A goalless draw against Southampton further highlights their inconsistency at home.
Recent Form: Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have experienced a mix of dominant victories and heavy defeats in recent weeks. Their most recent outing saw them progress in the FA Cup after a penalty shootout win over Exeter, following a dramatic 7-0 thrashing of Brighton in the Premier League. However, they suffered a humbling 5-0 defeat to Bournemouth before bouncing back with a 3-2 home win against Southampton. A 1-1 draw with Liverpool showcased their resilience against top opposition.
Away from home, their form has been inconsistent. While they secured a penalty shootout victory over Exeter in the FA Cup, they were heavily beaten 5-0 by Bournemouth. However, they previously impressed with a 3-0 win at Wolves and back-to-back 2-0 victories against Everton and Brentford, proving they can deliver strong performances on the road.
With three wins in their last five matches, Nottingham Forest have shown flashes of brilliance but will need to tighten their defense, especially away from home, to maintain their strong position.
Player to Watch: Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
The Super Eagles defender missed Forest’s last game against Exeter, but he is expected to return to action with the rest of the squad. Aina has been a key figure for Forest this season and will be one to watch in this crucial fixture.
Best Odds and Betting Tips: Away to win – 3.44 on 1xBet
