Nottingham Forest will host Brentford at the City Ground on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in a Premier League clash that promises intensity and tactical intrigue.
Forest, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, are chasing a European spot, leveraging their formidable home record. Brentford, under new manager Keith Andrews, aim to break into the top half with their resilient, attacking style.
With both teams coming off mixed results, this match could hinge on fine margins, making it a must-watch for fans and bettors alike.
Prediction
Nottingham Forest are slight favorites, driven by their strong home form at the City Ground, where they’ve lost only once in their last 10 league matches. Despite a recent 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, Forest showed resilience in their 2-0 win over Tottenham in April 2025, with their defensive solidity proving key.
Brentford, however, remain a threat, particularly in attack, as demonstrated by their 4-2 victory over Brighton in May 2025. Their away form has been inconsistent, with three losses in their last five road games, and defensive frailties could be exposed by Forest’s clinical forwards.
The game is likely to be tight, with Forest’s home advantage and low-scoring trend at the City Ground pointing to a narrow victory. Prediction; Nottingham Forest 2-1 Brentford.
Head-to-head
Nottingham Forest and Brentford have a competitive recent history in the Premier League. In their last five meetings, Brentford have won two, Forest one, with two draws.
Their most recent clash on May 1, 2025, saw Brentford secure a 2-0 victory at the City Ground.
However, Forest struck back earlier in the 2024-25 season with a 2-0 win at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on December 21, 2024, snapping a six-game winless streak against the Bees in league play.
Across 39 matches in all competitions, Brentford hold a slight edge with 15 wins to Forest’s 13 and 11 draws. Forest will draw confidence from their recent victory, but Brentford’s knack for upsetting the odds makes this a closely contested rivalry.
Possible lineups
Nottingham Forest are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Nuno Espirito Santo. Matz Sels is set to start in goal, protected by a back four of Neco Williams, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, and Alex Moreno, who has solidified the left-back role since joining on loan from Aston Villa.
Ryan Yates and Elliot Anderson are likely to anchor the midfield, offering energy and defensive cover.
In attack, new signing Dan Ndoye, acquired from Bologna in summer 2025, should join Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi behind striker Chris Wood, who has scored 20 goals this season.
Ola Aina is a doubt with a calf injury but could feature as a substitute if cleared.
Brentford, managed by Keith Andrews, are also likely to opt for a 4-2-3-1. Caoimhin Kelleher, signed from Liverpool in summer 2025, is expected in goal, with a defensive line of Kristoffer Ajer, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg, and Keane Lewis-Potter, who has been deployed at left-back.
Yehor Yarmolyuk and Frank Onyeka are set to form the midfield pivot, compensating for recent departures. Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade, and new signing Antoni Milambo should support Yoane Wissa up top, though Wissa’s status is uncertain amid transfer interest from Newcastle and Tottenham.
Aaron Hickey, Igor Thiago, Vitaly Janelt, Fabio Carvalho, and Josh Dasilva are sidelined by injuries or lack of match fitness.
Betting tips
For bettors, Nottingham Forest to win at 6/5 is a strong option, reflecting their home dominance. Chris Wood to score anytime at 9/2 is a standout bet, given his 20 goals this season and central role in Forest’s attack.
Dan Ndoye to have 1+ shots on target at 1/1 is worth considering, as the new signing is expected to be a key attacking outlet.
For goal markets, under 2.5 goals at 11/10 is appealing, as Forest’s home games have averaged just 1.1 goals in their last six, and Brentford’s depleted squad may struggle to create chances.
Yoane Wissa to have 1+ shots on target at 1/2 is a safer pick if he plays, given his importance to Brentford’s attack. For cards, Yehor Yarmolyuk to be booked could pay off, as he’s likely to face pressure from Forest’s dynamic midfield.