Nottingham Forest vs Burnley Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, April 19th

In the Premier League clash this Sunday, April 19th, Nottingham Forest will host Burnley at the City Ground, Nottingham. This matchup is crucial as both teams aim to secure valuable points in the league standings. Nottingham Forest, playing on their home turf, will look to capitalise on their familiarity with the City Ground to gain an advantage over Burnley. Meanwhile, Burnley will be eager to challenge their hosts and improve their position in the Premier League table.

The significance of this match cannot be understated, as both Nottingham Forest and Burnley are keen to demonstrate their capabilities in England’s top-flight league. With the Premier League season progressing, every point matters, and this encounter promises to be a competitive affair. Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see which team can assert their dominance and come out on top in this important fixture.

Nottingham Forest vs Burnley Prediction & Betting tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Draw – Nottingham Forest (-1) (EH)	3.65

When you consider Nottingham Forest’s solid home performances and Burnley’s ongoing struggle for goals, a 0-1 Draw European Handicap looks like a smart bet. Forest’s defensive stability at home, coupled with Burnley’s poor away form, suggests a tight, low-scoring match. This market offers good value, as it covers the likelihood of a narrow Forest win or a competitive draw.

• Burnley have not won in their last 6 matches, indicating struggles in form.
• Nottingham Forest are stronger at home, conceding just 1.3 goals on average per game.
• Matches refereed by Thomas Kirk tend to be tight, with an average of 4 yellow cards suggesting a physical game.

Betting Odds

Nottingham Forest are stepping onto the pitch as clear favourites against Burnley, with the home side’s odds sitting at 1.5. Meanwhile, Burnley are seen as the underdogs, with their odds at a tempting 6.37. A draw isn’t off the cards either, with odds of 4.28 reflecting the potential for a stalemate.

Betting Tip	Odds
Nottingham Forest to win	1.5
Draw	4.28
Burnley to win	6.37

For those looking to place a bet, the match odds suggest a strong chance for Forest to capitalise on their home advantage. However, Burnley’s odds might appeal to those fancying a riskier punt, especially if they believe in an upset.

Nottingham Forest Analysis & Past Performance

Nottingham Forest have demonstrated a mixed bag of results in their recent outings, showcasing resilience and a knack for grinding out results. In their last five games, the team have recorded three wins and two draws, scoring an impressive total of 11 goals while conceding just 3, which reflects a strong attacking and defensive balance.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Nottingham Forest	FC Porto	1 – 0 (Win)	Europa League Knockout Stage	Apr 16, 2026
Nottingham Forest	Aston Villa	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	Apr 12, 2026
FC Porto	Nottingham Forest	1 – 1 (Draw)	Europa League Knockout Stage	Apr 9, 2026
Tottenham	Nottingham Forest	0 – 3 (Win)	Premier League	Mar 22, 2026
FC Midtjylland	Nottingham Forest	N/A	Europa League Knockout Stage	Mar 19, 2026

Recent Form:
During this period, Nottingham Forest have averaged 2.20 goals per game, showcasing their attacking prowess, particularly with Morgan Gibbs-White being in fine form as the top scorer with 9 goals this season. Defensively, they have maintained 2 clean sheets, indicating a level of solidity at the back.

At home, the team’s performance has been less convincing, with only one win in their last five home matches, drawing twice and losing twice. Their home win ratio stands at a modest 0.20, suggesting a need for improvement at the City Ground. Despite this, their overall unbeaten streak in recent matches highlights their capability to compete robustly within the league.

Currently positioned 16th in the Premier League with 33 points, Nottingham Forest will be looking to build on their recent form to climb the table. Their ability to score in every recent match and maintain a low goals conceded average of 0.60 per game could be crucial in their upcoming fixtures.

• WDDWW

Nottingham Forest Suspensions & Injuries

Nottingham Forest face a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries. John Victor’s knee injury keeps him out until early June, while Nicolo Savona’s similar issue rules him out for the rest of the season. Willy Boly’s ongoing knee problems mean he will not return until late May. These absences could significantly affect Nottingham Forest’s defensive solidity, as both Victor and Boly have been influential in their defensive organisation this season.

Jair Cunha’s foot injury leaves his participation in doubt, adding to Nottingham Forest’s woes in the defensive department. The potential absence of Cunha might necessitate a tactical reshuffle, possibly seeing Nikola Milenković stepping in as a central defensive option. Elliot Anderson is listed as doubtful with an unspecified issue but is included in the starting line-up, suggesting he could still feature prominently.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
John Victor	knee injury	Early June 2026
Nicolo Savona	knee injury	Out for the season
Willy Boly	knee injury	Late May 2026
Jair Cunha	foot injury	Doubtful
Elliot Anderson	unknown	Doubtful

With the defensive line being the most affected, Nottingham Forest may need to adopt a more conservative approach, relying heavily on their midfield to shield the back four. The absence of key defenders could also open up opportunities for younger players or those on the fringes to prove their worth. These injuries might influence betting markets, as Forest’s defensive vulnerabilities could impact their odds against Burnley.

Nottingham Forest Key Players

Morgan Gibbs-White stands out as Nottingham Forest’s top scorer with 9 goals this season. Operating primarily as an attacking midfielder, Gibbs-White is pivotal in orchestrating the team’s offensive play. His ability to navigate tight spaces and deliver precise passes makes him a constant threat in the final third. Alongside him, Callum Hudson-Odoi’s speed and flair on the wings provide Forest with another dimension in attack, often stretching opponents and creating vital scoring opportunities.

In the midfield, Ibrahim Sangaré plays a crucial role as the team’s engine, breaking up opposition play and initiating counter-attacks with his robust tackling and intelligent positioning. Defensively, Nikola Milenković’s presence at the back is indispensable, with his aerial prowess and tactical awareness helping to marshal the backline and thwart Burnley’s attacking threats.

Expected line-up for Nottingham Forest

• Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
• Defenders: Ola Aina, Neco Williams, Nikola Milenković, Murillo
• Midfielders: Omari Hutchinson, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ibrahim Sangaré, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White
• Forward: Igor Jesus

Nottingham Forest Tactics and Formation

Nottingham Forest Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Igor Jesus
• Midfield Pivot: Ibrahim Sangaré and Elliot Anderson
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play and efficient use of wide areas.

Nottingham Forest will likely employ a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasising control in the midfield and width in attack. Ibrahim Sangaré and Elliot Anderson are expected to form a double pivot, providing both defensive cover and forward support. This setup allows Morgan Gibbs-White, the team’s top scorer, to operate freely in the attacking midfield role, linking play between the midfield and Igor Jesus upfront.

Defensively, the back four, featuring Ola Aina and Murillo, aims to maintain solidity, having secured two clean sheets in their recent performances. The presence of Matz Sels in goal adds further assurance, having been instrumental in their defensive resilience.

Offensively, Nottingham Forest’s strategy focuses on maintaining high possession, as evidenced by their 61% possession in a recent Europa League win. Utilising the pace and creativity of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Omari Hutchinson on the flanks, they aim to stretch opposition defences and create scoring opportunities.

Burnley Analysis & Past Performance

Burnley have struggled significantly in recent matches, failing to secure a win in their last five outings. This includes a recent 0-2 defeat at home against Brighton, further highlighting their inability to capitalise on home advantage.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Burnley	Brighton	0 – 2 (Defeat)	Premier League	Apr 11, 2026
Fulham	Burnley	3 – 1 (Defeat)	Premier League	Mar 21, 2026
Burnley	Bournemouth	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	Mar 14, 2026
Everton	Burnley	2 – 0 (Defeat)	Premier League	Mar 3, 2026
Burnley	Brentford	3 – 4 (Defeat)	Premier League	Feb 28, 2026

Recent Form:

• LLDLL

The Clarets have managed to score in only two of their last five games, averaging a mere 0.80 goals per match, while conceding 2.20 goals on average. Their defence has shown vulnerabilities, keeping just one clean sheet in this period. Away from home, Burnley have managed only a single victory in their last five fixtures, with a win ratio of 20%. Currently positioned 19th in the league, they have accumulated 20 points, which underscores their struggles throughout the season.

Burnley Suspensions & Injuries

Burnley face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries. Zeki Amdouni and Josh Cullen are both sidelined with cruciate ligament injuries, significantly impacting the midfield’s dynamism. Connor Roberts’ strain injury and Jordan Beyer’s knee problem further weaken Burnley’s defensive options, which is a concern as they face Nottingham Forest’s attacking threats.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Zeki Amdouni	ACL injury	Back in training
Connor Roberts	muscle strain	Early May 2026
Louis Jordan Beyer	knee injury	Early May 2026
Josh Cullen	ACL injury	Early September 2026
Axel Tuanzebe	Achilles tendon injury	Doubtful
Hannibal Mejbri	hamstring injury	Early May 2026

In their absence, Burnley will likely rely on their depth, with players such as Florentino and James Ward-Prowse expected to step up in midfield. Defensively, Hjalmar Ekdal and Maxime Estève will need to ensure stability at the back, compensating for the absence of Roberts and Beyer. The tactical setup might see adjustments, potentially adopting a more conservative approach to shield the backline.

These injuries not only limit Burnley’s squad depth but could also affect their strategic flexibility. Bettors might view these absences as increasing Nottingham Forest’s chances, given Burnley’s compromised defensive and midfield strength. The upcoming match could see Burnley adopting a cautious approach, focusing on solidifying their defence while looking for counter-attacking opportunities.

Burnley Key Players

Zian Flemming stands out as Burnley’s top scorer with 8 goals this season. His role as the lone forward means he is pivotal in leading the attack, utilising his agility and sharp finishing to exploit defensive gaps. Flemming’s ability to hold up play and link with midfielders like Marcus Edwards and James Ward-Prowse is crucial for Burnley’s offensive transitions.

James Ward-Prowse, with his experience and set-piece prowess, adds depth to the midfield. His vision and passing range can unlock defences, while Florentino provides the defensive stability needed to counter Nottingham Forest’s attacks. At the back, the defensive quartet led by Hjalmar Ekdal will need to be resolute, with Maxime Estève’s aerial strength being vital in set-piece situations.

Expected line-up for Burnley:

• Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka
• Defence: Bashir Humphreys, Hjalmar Ekdal, Maxime Estève, Quilindschy Hartman
• Midfield: James Ward-Prowse, Florentino, Marcus Edwards, Lesley Ugochukwu, Jaidon Anthony
• Forward: Zian Flemming

Burnley Tactics and Formation

Burnley Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Zian Flemming
• Midfield Pivot: James Ward-Prowse and Florentino
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded 11 goals in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on set-pieces and midfield control.

Burnley’s 4-2-3-1 formation, under Scott Parker, aims to provide balance between attack and defence. James Ward-Prowse and Florentino in the midfield pivot are crucial for dictating the tempo and offering defensive cover. Ward-Prowse’s set-piece delivery is a vital component of Burnley’s offensive strategy, given their struggles in open play.

Defensively, the backline of Bashir Humphreys, Hjalmar Ekdal, Maxime Estève, and Quilindschy Hartman has shown vulnerabilities, with the team failing to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches. This weakness could be exploited by Nottingham Forest’s attacking prowess.

Offensively, Burnley rely heavily on Zian Flemming, their top scorer, to lead the line. The support from wingers Marcus Edwards and Jaidon Anthony is essential for creating chances, especially in transitions and set-piece situations.

Nottingham Forest vs Burnley H2H Record

In their head-to-head record, Burnley have the upper hand with 12 wins compared to Nottingham Forest’s 8, alongside 8 draws. Their last encounter ended in a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor in the Premier League, showcasing how closely matched these sides can be.

The Premier League meetings have been quite competitive, with the last clash at the City Ground ending in a 1-1 draw back in September 2023. Burnley did manage a 1-0 win in the EFL Cup at the same venue, highlighting their ability to snatch results on the road.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	League	Date
Burnley	Nottingham Forest	1 – 1	Premier League	2025-09-20
Burnley	Nottingham Forest	1 – 2	Premier League	2024-05-19
Nottingham Forest	Burnley	1 – 1	Premier League	2023-09-18
Nottingham Forest	Burnley	0 – 1	EFL Cup	2023-08-30
Nottingham Forest	Burnley	1 – 1	Friendly Match	2017-07-29