Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 1 February

Nottingham Forest will host Crystal Palace at the City Ground, Nottingham, this Sunday, 1 February, in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League clash. This match is crucial for both teams as they look to secure valuable points in the league standings. The phrase ‘Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips’ will guide us through the key elements of this encounter, providing insights into what we can expect on the pitch.

Nottingham Forest, playing at home, will aim to capitalise on their familiar surroundings to gain an advantage over Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will be eager to disrupt Forest’s plans and snatch a win on the road. Both teams have shown moments of brilliance this season, making this matchup a significant test of their ambitions. With the Premier League’s competitive nature, every point counts, and this match could have lasting implications for both clubs’ campaigns.

Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
More than 2.5 goals in the first half	8.3

Given the attacking tendencies of both Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, along with their defensive lapses, we recommend betting on over 2.5 goals in the first half. Matches involving these teams often start at a high tempo, with plenty of early scoring opportunities.

• Both teams are known for their fast-paced starts, increasing the likelihood of early goals.
• Nottingham Forest’s home matches frequently feature quick goals, and their defensive issues add to the volatility.
• Crystal Palace’s effective counter-attacks and Nottingham Forest’s open play create ample scoring chances in the first half.

Betting Odds

Nottingham Forest are tipped as favourites with odds of 1.96, but Crystal Palace’s odds of 3.84 suggest there’s potential for an upset. The draw is priced at 3.47, indicating a closely contested affair.

Betting Tip	Odds
Nottingham Forest to win	1.96
Draw	3.47
Crystal Palace to win	3.84

For those looking to place a wager, the match odds suggest exploring both teams to score and the over 2.5 goals market, given the attacking capabilities on display.

Nottingham Forest Analysis & Past Performance

Nottingham Forest have shown a mixed bag of performances recently, with a record of two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five matches. Their recent 4-0 victory against Ferencváros in the Europa League highlighted their attacking potential, with Morgan Gibbs-White being a standout performer, contributing a significant portion of their goals this season.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Nottingham Forest	Ferencváros	4 – 0 (Win)	Europa League	29 Jan 2026
Brentford	Nottingham Forest	0 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	25 Jan 2026
Braga	Nottingham Forest	1 – 0 (Loss)	Europa League	22 Jan 2026
Nottingham Forest	Arsenal	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
Wrexham	Nottingham Forest	N/A	FA Cup	9 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• WWLDL

In their last five games, Nottingham Forest have averaged 2.40 goals scored per match while conceding an average of 1.60 goals. They have managed to keep three clean sheets, suggesting a defensive capability that can be formidable when in form. However, their inconsistency is evident, especially in home fixtures, where they have won only twice in their last ten home games, reflecting a 20% win ratio. Their current league position at 17th with 25 points emphasises the need for more consistent performances to climb the Premier League standings.

Nottingham Forest Suspensions & Injuries

Nottingham Forest are dealing with a few notable injuries ahead of their clash with Crystal Palace. Chris Wood’s knee injury, which sidelines him until mid-April, is a significant blow to Forest’s attacking options. His absence necessitates increased reliance on Igor Jesus, who will shoulder the burden of leading the line. Meanwhile, John Victor and Nicolo Savona are both out with knee injuries, affecting squad depth, particularly in the midfield and defensive areas.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Chris Wood	Knee injury	Mid April 2026
John Victor	Knee injury	Early June 2026
Nicolo Savona	Knee injury	Mid March 2026

With these injuries in mind, Nottingham Forest might need to adjust their tactical approach. The 4-2-3-1 formation could see a slight shift, with Elliot Anderson and Callum Hudson-Odoi potentially taking on more creative responsibilities in the absence of Wood’s physical presence up front. The midfield duo of Ibrahim Sangaré and Nicolás Domínguez will be crucial in maintaining stability and providing defensive cover.

The absence of key players like Wood could influence the betting markets, as Nottingham Forest might be seen as less of an attacking threat. However, their strong defensive lineup remains intact, which could prove pivotal in securing a result against Crystal Palace. The match could hinge on Forest’s ability to adapt and find alternative routes to goal.

Nottingham Forest Key Players

Morgan Gibbs-White stands out as Nottingham Forest’s top scorer, having found the net five times this season. His role as a playmaker in midfield not only sees him contributing with goals but also orchestrating attacks with his vision and passing ability. Gibbs-White’s ability to link up with forward Igor Jesus could be pivotal against Crystal Palace, as it opens up spaces for other attacking players.

Ibrahim Sangaré’s presence in midfield is influential, providing both defensive solidity and a platform for launching attacks. His partnership with Nicolás Domínguez offers a balance of defensive cover and creativity, making Forest’s midfield a formidable unit. In defence, Nikola Milenković’s leadership and aerial prowess are crucial in organising the backline and dealing with Crystal Palace’s attacking threats.

Matz Sels, expected to start as the goalkeeper, provides reliability between the posts, with his shot-stopping ability being a key asset for the team. The combination of these players shapes Nottingham Forest’s tactical approach, focusing on a solid defence and quick transition to attack.

Expected lineup for Nottingham Forest:

• Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
• Defence: Ola Aina, Nikola Milenković, Murillo, Neco Williams
• Midfield: Ibrahim Sangaré, Elliot Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White, Nicolás Domínguez
• 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: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on midfield control and quick transitions.

Nottingham Forest’s 4-2-3-1 formation, orchestrated by coach Sean Dyche, is designed to provide balance across the pitch. With Ibrahim Sangaré and Elliot Anderson anchoring the midfield, the team can effectively disrupt opposition play while initiating quick transitions. Morgan Gibbs-White is pivotal in the attacking midfield role, linking play with forward Igor Jesus and wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Nicolás Domínguez.

Defensively, Nottingham Forest have shown resilience, with Nikola Milenković and Murillo forming a solid central defensive partnership, supported by full-backs Ola Aina and Neco Williams. This setup has contributed to their recent defensive success, including three clean sheets in their last five matches.

Offensively, the team focuses on controlling the midfield and launching swift counterattacks. Despite recent injuries to key players like Chris Wood, the current lineup has adapted well, maintaining a strong attacking presence, as evidenced by their 4-0 victory over Ferencváros.

Crystal Palace Analysis & Past Performance

Crystal Palace have struggled in recent form, having not secured a victory in their last five matches, with a record of four losses and one draw. Their recent performances have seen them concede nine goals while managing to score only three, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities and inefficiencies in attack.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
Crystal Palace	Chelsea	1 – 3 (Defeat)	Premier League	25 Jan 2026
Sunderland	Crystal Palace	2 – 1 (Defeat)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
Macclesfield	Crystal Palace	2 – 1 (Defeat)	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026
Crystal Palace	Aston Villa	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026
Newcastle	Crystal Palace	2 – 0 (Defeat)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• LLLDL

The team has averaged 0.60 goals per match over the last five fixtures, which reflects a significant challenge in converting opportunities into tangible results. Defensively, they’ve allowed an average of 1.80 goals per game, indicating a pressing need for greater solidity at the back. Additionally, Crystal Palace have failed to win any of their last five away games, underlining their struggles on the road with a 0% win ratio away from home.

Crystal Palace Suspensions & Injuries

Crystal Palace face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Cheick Doucouré and Daichi Kamada in midfield could significantly impact the team’s ability to control the game. Both players are instrumental in maintaining possession and transitioning from defence to attack. Edward Nketiah’s strain injury further weakens the forward options, potentially affecting the team’s goal-scoring capabilities. Nathaniel Clyne’s groin injury leaves a gap in defence that might necessitate tactical adjustments.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Adam Wharton	Yellow/red card	1	Unknown

Adam Wharton’s suspension for accumulating yellow and red cards adds to Crystal Palace’s woes. His absence means a reshuffle in the midfield, likely pushing Jefferson Lerma into a more defensive role. The lack of depth might compel manager Oliver Glasner to experiment with younger or less experienced players, testing their resilience in a high-pressure Premier League fixture.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Cheick Doucouré	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Daichi Kamada	Hamstring injury	Late February 2026
Edward Nketiah	Strain injury	Early February 2026
Nathaniel Clyne	Groin injury	Early February 2026

These absences could influence the betting markets, as Crystal Palace might struggle to maintain their usual form. The tactical impact of these unavailability issues might lead to a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity rather than attacking flair. This could affect the overall dynamics of the match against Nottingham Forest.

Crystal Palace Key Players

Jean-Philippe Mateta stands out as Crystal Palace’s top scorer, having netted eight goals so far this season. His presence in the forward line is pivotal, offering a blend of physicality and clinical finishing that can exploit any defensive vulnerabilities of Nottingham Forest. Mateta’s ability to hold up play and link with fellow forwards Ismaïla Sarr and Brennan Johnson is crucial in unlocking opposing defences.

In the midfield, Jefferson Lerma is expected to play a significant role. His defensive prowess and ability to break up play can provide the necessary balance and support to the attack. Daniel Imray and Tyrick Mitchell add dynamism to the wings, potentially stretching the opponent’s defence, while Daniel Muñoz’s creativity could be instrumental in orchestrating play from the midfield.

Expected lineup for Crystal Palace

• Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
• Defence: Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards, Jaydee Canvot
• Midfield: Daniel Imray, Tyrick Mitchell, Jefferson Lerma, Daniel Muñoz
• Forward: Ismaïla Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Brennan Johnson

Defensively, Maxence Lacroix and Chris Richards will be key figures. Their reliability at the back and strength in aerial duels will be essential in thwarting Nottingham Forest’s attacking threats. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson’s shot-stopping ability is another crucial element, providing a solid last line of defence. The tactical impact of these key players is significant, as they collectively shape the team’s approach and could be decisive in securing a positive result.

Crystal Palace Tactics and Formation

Crystal Palace Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Jean-Philippe Mateta
• Midfield Pivot: Jefferson Lerma and Tyrick Mitchell
• Defensive Setup: Three-man defence with Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards, Jaydee Canvot
• Notable Strategy: Utilising wing-backs for width and counterattacks.

Crystal Palace’s 3-4-3 formation provides flexibility in both defence and attack. The three-man defence, consisting of Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards, and Jaydee Canvot, offers a solid base, though recent performances suggest vulnerabilities, with the team conceding an average of 1.8 goals per game in their last five outings.

Offensively, Jean-Philippe Mateta, the team’s top scorer with eight goals, plays a pivotal role. Supported by wingers Ismaïla Sarr and Brennan Johnson, Palace aim to exploit spaces behind the opposition’s defence. The wing-backs, Daniel Muñoz and Daniel Imray, are crucial for providing width and supporting transitions.

Defensively, Palace have struggled to maintain clean sheets, achieving only one in their last five matches. The absence of key players such as Daichi Kamada and Cheick Doucouré may force tactical adjustments, potentially impacting their midfield stability and defensive transitions.

Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Head-to-Head Record

Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace have faced off 27 times, with Forest winning 13, Palace four, and 10 matches ending in a draw. Their last encounter in the Premier League ended in a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park in August 2025. Historically, Forest have had the upper hand, especially at home.

The last time Nottingham Forest hosted Crystal Palace at the City Ground, they secured a narrow 1-0 victory in October 2024. This fixture has often been tight, with Forest’s home advantage proving pivotal in recent meetings.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Crystal Palace	Nottingham Forest	1 – 1	Premier League	2025-08-24
Crystal Palace	Nottingham Forest	1 – 1	Premier League	2025-05-05
Nottingham Forest	Crystal Palace	1 – 0	Premier League	2024-10-21
Nottingham Forest	Crystal Palace	1 – 1	Premier League	2024-03-30
Crystal Palace	Nottingham Forest	0 – 0	Premier League	2023-10-07