Burnley vs. Nottingham Forest Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 20 September 2025

Burnley are set to host Nottingham Forest at Turf Moor in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League clash. Despite both teams sitting near the bottom of the table—Burnley in 17th and Nottingham Forest in 15th—the match has significant implications for lifting morale and gaining crucial points early in the season.

Referee Thomas Bramall will preside over the game, ensuring fair play. The home side, coached by Scott Parker, have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.5 goals in their last four matches. Their previous five outings have been a rollercoaster, marked by a 2-0 home win over Sunderland but heavy defeats against the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham. Notably, Burnley’s top scorer, Jaidon Anthony, has been a bright spot with 2 goals.

On the other hand, Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest have exhibited inconsistent form. While their attack, led by Chris Wood, averages 1.2 goals per game, their defense has been porous, conceding at an average of 2 goals per game this season.

The bookmakers favor Nottingham Forest with odds at 2.19 for an away win, primarily due to Burnley’s poor defensive record and home performance. Given these factors, expect Forest’s counterattacking prowess to be decisive. Our recommended bet: Nottingham Forest to win.

This game is a vital chapter for both teams in their bid to climb up the Premier League standings.

Burnley vs Nottingham Forest Prediction & Betting Tip

Burnley vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Nottingham Forest to win	2.19

Nottingham Forest to win is our recommended bet for this match, based on several key factors:

• Defensive Struggles: Burnley have shown significant defensive frailty, conceding an average of 1.5 goals in their last four Premier League matches. Their poor home record further compounds their vulnerability.
• Counterattacking Prowess: Nottingham Forest’s compact shape and direct transitional play are well-suited to exploiting Burnley’s possession-based approach. This tactical advantage could see them capitalize on turnovers and spaces left in midfield.
• Attacking Talent: Although inconsistent, Forest have slightly more momentum and attacking options, such as Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who can be decisive in important moments.

Given these points, Nottingham Forest stand a strong chance of securing an away win in this crucial early-season clash.

Burnley vs Nottingham Forest Odds

The upcoming clash between Burnley and Nottingham Forest at Turf Moor sees the away team touted as the bookmaker’s favorite. Nottingham Forest’s performance and tactical setup seem to give them an edge over their counterpart.

We’ve provided the latest betting odds to make it simpler for you to decide where to place your bet for this match:

Burnley vs Nottingham Forest Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Burnley Win	3.31
Draw	3.36
Nottingham Forest Win	2.19

These odds reflect Burnley’s poor start to the season and their shaky defense. Nottingham Forest’s compact shape and counterattacking acumen increase their chances of securing an away victory, making the 2.19 odds for a Forest win particularly attractive. Additionally, their attacking talent, including top scorer Chris Wood, may prove decisive.

Burnley Team Analysis

Recent Performance:

Burnley’s recent form in the Premier League has been a mixed bag, with their last five matches resulting in two wins and three losses. Here’s a closer look at their last five fixtures:

• Burnley 0-1 Liverpool
• Manchester United 3-2 Burnley
• Burnley 2-1 Derby (EFL Cup)
• Burnley 2-0 Sunderland
• Tottenham 3-0 Burnley

Despite their struggles, Burnley have managed to secure a single clean sheet in their last five league matches and average 1.2 goals per game. The team under Scott Parker has shown glimpses of attacking potential but continues to be plagued by defensive inconsistencies, conceding an average of 1.5 goals per match. With an upcoming fixture against Manchester City, Burnley need to address their defensive frailties to improve their league standings.

Burnley Key Players

Burnley will be looking to their top scorer, Jaidon Anthony, who has netted 2 goals this season, to spark their attack against Nottingham Forest. Anthony’s pace and ability to find the back of the net could be crucial as they seek to turn around their early-season form.

Josh Cullen and Florentino Luís in midfield will need to hold strong against Nottingham Forest’s quick counterattacks. Kyle Walker’s experience in defense will be vital in keeping Forest’s attacking threats like Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi at bay.

Expected lineup for Burnley:

• Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka
• Defenders: Kyle Walker, Hjalmar Ekdal, Maxime Esteve, Quilindschy Hartman
• Midfielders: Josh Cullen, Florentino Luís, Loum Tchaouna, Hannibal Mejbri, Jaidon Anthony
• Striker: Lyle Foster

This match will largely depend on Burnley’s key players stepping up and containing Forest’s counterattacks while making the most of their own attacking opportunities.

Burnley Suspensions & Injuries

Burnley will be without several key players for the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest, which could significantly impact their performance. Zeki Amdouni is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury and isn’t expected to return until mid-January 2026. Connor Roberts is also out due to a knee injury but might make a comeback by late September 2025.

Defensive concerns deepen with Louis Jordan Beyer unavailable until mid-October 2025 due to another knee injury. Adding to their woes, Lesley Ugochukwu is suspended for this fixture after receiving a yellow/red card in their last match, leaving coach Scott Parker with some critical gaps to fill.

These absences could further expose Burnley’s fragile defense and limit their offensive options, making them more vulnerable to Nottingham Forest’s counterattacking play.

Burnley Tactics and Formation

Burnley Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Lyle Foster
• Depth in Midfield: Josh Cullen and Florentino Luís as defensive midfielders, with Hannibal Mejbri orchestrating the attack from the central position.
• Defensive Reinforcement: Only one clean sheet in their last five games, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.

Scott Parker’s Burnley have largely stuck to a 4-2-3-1 formation this season. By deploying two defensive midfielders in Cullen and Luís, Parker aims to provide defensive stability and shield for their backline, led by experienced defender Kyle Walker.

With key players like Jaidon Anthony and Loum Tchaouna on the wings, Burnley hopes to exploit the flanks and create crossing opportunities for Foster. Maintaining defensive discipline and capitalizing on quick transitions will be essential if they are to overcome Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham Forest Team Analysis

Recent Performance:

Nottingham Forest’s recent run of form has been anything but consistent, with their last five matches yielding a mixture of results:

• Swansea 3-2 Nottingham Forest (EFL Cup)
• Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
• Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham
• Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest
• Nottingham Forest 3-1 Brentford

Their overall performance has shown a lack of defensive stability, as they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five games, conceding an average of 2 goals per match. Despite this, Forest have managed to score an average of 1.2 goals per game, highlighting that their attacking capability remains a threat.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will need to tighten their defense and maintain their attacking momentum if they want to secure a crucial away victory against Burnley.

Nottingham Forest Key Players

Nottingham Forest will lean on key players like Chris Wood, who has already netted 2 goals this season. Wood’s physical presence and finishing ability will be vital in breaking down Burnley’s defense. Another player to watch is Callum Hudson-Odoi, whose pace and creativity on the wing can create significant problems for Burnley’s backline.

Morgan Gibbs-White, operating as the attacking midfielder, will be crucial in linking up play and providing opportunities for the forwards. Defensively, Nikola Milenkovic will be pivotal in keeping Burnley’s attacking threats at bay.

Expected lineup for Nottingham Forest:

• Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
• Defenders: Neco Williams, Nikola Milenkovic, Nicolo Savona, Felipe Morato
• Midfielders: Ibrahim Sangare, Elliot Anderson, Dan Ndoye, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi
• Striker: Chris Wood

Forest’s key players must step up to take advantage of Burnley’s defensive vulnerabilities and steer the team towards a much-needed victory.

Nottingham Forest Suspensions & Injuries

Nottingham Forest come into the match with a few notable absences that could impact their squad depth and tactical approach. Nicolas Dominguez is out with a meniscus injury and isn’t expected back until early October 2025. Ola Aina is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, targeting a return in early January 2026, while Murillo is also doubtful with a knock injury.

Though Forest are without suspensions for this fixture, the absences could influence their variability and restrict Ange Postecoglou’s tactical options. Dominguez’s absence might limit their central midfield strength, putting additional pressure on the likes of Ibrahim Sangare and Elliot Anderson to dominate the middle of the park against Burnley.

Nottingham Forest Tactics and Formation

Nottingham Forest Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Chris Wood
• Midfield Strength: Ibrahim Sangare and Elliot Anderson as the defensive midfielders, with Morgan Gibbs-White providing creative support in the attacking midfield role.
• Defensive Stability: Yet to keep a clean sheet in their last five games, indicating a need for more defensive solidity.

Ange Postecoglou’s squad frequently employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on compact defensive shape and quick transitional play. By utilizing the wings, players like Callum Hudson-Odoi and Dan Ndoye create space and opportunities in the final third. Chris Wood’s role as the main striker is crucial, relying on his physicality and finishing skills to convert chances.

For Nottingham Forest to succeed, maintaining their defensive shape and exploiting turnovers through rapid counterattacks will be essential against Burnley’s possession-based style.

Burnley vs Nottingham Forest Head-to-Head Statistics

Examining the last five head-to-head encounters between Burnley and Nottingham Forest reveals a balanced record but with recent marginal advantages for Forest:

• Burnley 1-2 Nottingham Forest (2024-05-19, Premier League)
• Nottingham Forest 1-1 Burnley (2023-09-18, Premier League)
• Nottingham Forest 0-1 Burnley (2023-08-30, EFL Cup)
• Nottingham Forest 1-1 Burnley (2017-07-29, Club Friendlies)
• Burnley 1-0 Nottingham Forest (2016-02-23, Championship)

In these matchups, Forest have managed one win and two draws, while Burnley secured two victories. These tight contests highlight how competitive and evenly matched the teams have been historically.

However, recent form and odds suggest Nottingham Forest might hold a slight edge this time around, bolstered by a stronger attacking lineup led by Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Odds accurate as of 18/09/2025 15:03, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any {bookmaker}.