Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest 2025/26 Premier League Bet Builder & Predictions
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park on Sunday promises a compelling Premier League clash as both teams seek to build on solid starts to the season. Our football betting expert is backing Crystal Palace to edge the match, with an expectation of under 2.5 goals and a tight contest where both teams find the net.
Team News and Context
Crystal Palace began their Premier League campaign with a disciplined 0-0 draw at Chelsea, a performance bolstered by solid defensive organisation and creative chances, though a goal from Eberechi Eze was controversially ruled out.
Manager Oliver Glasner faces some uncertainty around key players, with Eze reportedly close to a move to Arsenal and defender Marc Guéhi linked elsewhere. Nonetheless, Palace have shown strong cohesion, particularly at home, and remain unbeaten in their last seven league matches. Midfielder Daichi Kamada is doubtful due to injury, but the side is otherwise near full strength.
Nottingham Forest kicked off their league season emphatically with a 3-1 home win against Brentford, highlighted by a brace from striker Chris Wood and a debut goal for new signing Dan Ndoye. Midfield linchpin Morgan Gibbs-White was instrumental, commanding the midfield and contributing key assists.
Forest look confident and well-drilled under Nuno Espirito Santo, though they have a slightly thinner squad depth. They are expected to maintain the same starting XI that impressed in the opening fixture.
Opening Weekend Recap
Crystal Palace’s goalless draw at Chelsea showcased their defensive resilience and ability to create chances despite a short pre-season. They controlled phases of the match and were arguably the better side while also managing to contain Chelsea’s new-look attack.
Nottingham Forest’s dominant win over Brentford featured aggressive pressing, quick transitions, and clinical finishing. The team capitalised on Brentford’s mistakes and displayed promising attacking cohesion, suggesting they remain motivated after last season’s European qualification.
Head to Head and Current Form
The two sides have met 16 times in recent years, with Nottingham Forest winning 7, Crystal Palace 2, and 7 ending in draws. Their encounters average just over 2 goals per game, with both teams scoring in 44% of these meetings.
Crystal Palace boast a stronger home form, currently averaging 2 points per game at Selhurst Park, while Forest have been effective away, securing 2.33 points per game on the road.
Crystal Palace sit 10th in the league standings, unbeaten so far, while Nottingham Forest sit 4th after their opening win. Expected goals (xG) panels present a balanced outlook, with Palace slightly more assured defensively, and Forest carrying more attacking threat.
Crystal Palace to Win (13/10)
Their home form combined with Forest’s away vulnerabilities, especially early in the season, favour Palace for a narrow victory in a tight match.
Under 2.5 Goals (11/8)
Previous meetings and current defensive solidity on both sides suggest a low-scoring affair, with cautious tactical approaches expected.
Both Teams to Score (10/11)
Despite the defensive strengths, both sides have attacking players capable of finding the net, making goals at both ends a realistic prospect.
Conclusion: Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest Betting Preview
Sunday’s Selhurst Park fixture promises to be a tactically nuanced contest with Crystal Palace’s home resilience and Nottingham Forest’s attacking confidence shaping the game.
Palace’s motivation to maintain their unbeaten run at home contrasts with Forest’s challenge of sustaining winning momentum away from home. The encounter is likely to be close, with goals at both ends but a limited overall tally.
To summarise, here are our football betting tips for Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest:
Crystal Palace to Win (13/10): Home advantage and current form favour Palace in a closely fought match.
Under 2.5 Goals (11/8): Tactical discipline and previous low-scoring encounters indicate a tight scoreline.
Both Teams to Score (10/11): Offensive threats for both sides make goals at each end likely.
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