Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford: EPL Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

On Thursday night, Nottingham Forest will host Brentford at the City Ground in a consequential rescheduled Premier League match.

With only four days separating them from the pack after the Premier League weekend, both teams are playing catch-up and will need a victory to maintain any hope of making it to Europe.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Nottingham Forest's match was rescheduled as they faced Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals, and they lost 2-0 at Wembley. They seemed out of it early when Josko Gvardiol scored, but Nuno Espirito Santo's side struck the post three times, and Anthony Elanga missed a big chance, meaning the result could've been different.

Forest, back in the top flight after 40+ years, boosted their Champions League hopes with a gritty 2-1 win at Tottenham. Despite having just 30% possession and being outshot 22–4, that win typified their season under Nuno.

They've since dropped from third to sixth following rivals' wins but remain just two points off third with a game in hand. Forest's run-in includes favourable fixtures against Leicester and West Ham and a final-day clash with Chelsea.

Up next is Brentford, a tricky opponent with an impressive away run earlier in 2025. Forest won 2-0 at the Gtech earlier this season, ending Brentford's unbeaten home start.

Brentford recently ended a nine-game home losing streak by beating Brighton 4-2, keeping their Conference League hopes alive. If Man City win the FA Cup, a European spot could open up — but Brentford must be near-perfect in their remaining games.

Nottingham Forest x  Brentford Team News

Teenager Zach Abbott is expected to be benched as Neco Williams and Ryan Yates are poised to return from their suspensions imposed for Forest's FA Cup loss to Man City on Sunday.

Elanga is expected to start after being unexpectedly benched against City. At the same time, Jota Silva, who recovered from a little setback to come in as a late replacement in that match, will likely have to settle for a spot on the bench once again.

With the return of Nigerian full-back Ola Aina from a calf injury imminent, Forest has one injury worry. However, Harry Toffolo's play at left-back has helped forestall problems that may have arisen due to Aina's absence.

Frank is optimistic that Aaron Hickey and Igor Thiago will be able to return to action this season for Brentford after suffering long-term injuries.

Still, Fabio Carvalho and Josh Dasilva have little hope. Yunus Emre Konak, who was substituted in the 87th minute but still forced off the pitch against Brighton, joined Carvalho and Dasilva on the treatment table.

Although Rico Henry got 30 minutes in the victory against the Seagulls, Frank will probably keep him on the bench for now, particularly since Keane Lewis-Potter is still holding his own as a substitute left defender.

Our predictions

Full-time draw @ 3.60 on Sky247.ng

Even with Forest's solid defence, Frank's men might have trouble with Brentford. Their powerful assault has been a problem for many teams this season.

Forest's strong suit this season has been home performances, but they were flat against Everton and struggled to find the back of the net, so that might be an issue once again.

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