Match: Premier League
Fixture: Fulham vs Nottingham Forest
Local Kick-off Time: December 22nd, 20:00
Open Odds
| Full-Time Outcome | Odds |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2.50 |
| X | 3.20 |
| 2 | 2.90 |
Summary: Nottingham Forest Draw Or Win
The league standings add context to this match: Fulham sits 15th with 20 points, only 4 points above the relegation zone; while Forest is 17th with 18 points, firmly in the relegation battle. Both teams are highly motivated, with Fulham seeking to consolidate their position and Forest aiming to escape the drop zone.
The battle for squad depth will be a critical but often overlooked aspect of this match. As a relegation six-pointer with contrasting recent form, the Asian Handicap's cautious Fulham -0.25 line reflects skepticism about Fulham's ability to secure victory at home. Given Forest's recent strong performances and Fulham's defensive vulnerabilities, Forest is favored to secure at least a draw away from home.
Comprehensive Prediction Analysis:
Fulham
In historical encounters, Fulham holds a clear advantage, winning 5 of their last 6 Premier League meetings with Nottingham Forest, including three consecutive home victories where they kept clean sheets in all three matches. The most recent meeting was in February 2025, when Fulham secured a 2-1 victory through efficient counter-attacking.
However, Forest's current form represents a significant departure from their past struggles. Fulham's recent performances have been inconsistent - ending a two-match losing streak with a narrow 3-2 victory over Burnley, only to have their morale dampened by a last-minute quarter-final defeat to Newcastle in the League Cup.
Fulham's attack is efficient in transition, but their defensive instability is a concern, particularly late in matches when concentration tends to lapse. Their squad is weakened by several absences: Rodrigo Muniz, Ryan Sessegnon remain injured, with Lukic doubtful. Additionally, three key players (Chukwueze, Iwobi, and Bassey) are absent due to AFCON call-ups, significantly limiting their midfield and attacking options.
| Competition | Date | Home Team | Score (Half-Time) | Away Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EFL Cup | 25-12-18 | Newcastle United | 2-1 (1-1) | Fulham |
| Premier League | 25-12-14 | Burnley | 2-3 (1-2) | Fulham |
| Premier League | 25-12-08 | Fulham | 1-2 (1-1) | Crystal Palace |
| Premier League | 25-12-03 | Fulham | 4-5 (1-3) | Manchester City |
| Premier League | 25-11-30 | Tottenham Hotspur | 1-2 (0-2) | Fulham |
| Premier League | 25-11-22 | Fulham | 1-0 (0-0) | Sunderland |
| Premier League | 25-11-08 | Everton | 2-0 (1-0) | Fulham |
| Premier League | 25-11-01 | Fulham | 3-0 (1-0) | Wolverhampton Wanderers |
| EFL Cup | 25-10-29 | Conwy Borough | 1-1 (1-0) | Fulham |
| Premier League | 25-10-25 | Newcastle United | 2-1 (1-0) | Fulham |
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest has emerged as the Premier League's "form team," winning 4 of their last 6 league matches, including an impressive 3-0 thrashing of Tottenham. Their pragmatic approach combines solid defensive organization with aggressive midfield pressing and incisive counter-attacks - creating a significant challenge for Fulham's home defense.
Forest also faces squad limitations: Ena, Wood, and Yates are definitely out, with Awoniyi, Zelles, and Dominguez questionable. Additionally, Sangare and Willy Boly have been called up for AFCON, but their overall squad depth appears more resilient.
| Competition | Date | Home Team | Score (Half-Time) | Away Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 25-12-14 | Nottingham Forest | 3-0 (1-0) | Tottenham Hotspur |
| UEFA Europa League | 25-12-12 | FC Utrecht | 1-2 (0-0) | Nottingham Forest |
| Premier League | 25-12-06 | Everton | 3-0 (2-0) | Nottingham Forest |
| Premier League | 25-12-04 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 0-1 (0-0) | Nottingham Forest |
| Premier League | 25-11-30 | Nottingham Forest | 0-2 (0-1) | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| UEFA Europa League | 25-11-28 | Nottingham Forest | 3-0 (2-0) | Malmö FF |
| Premier League | 25-11-22 | Liverpool | 0-3 (0-1) | Nottingham Forest |
| Premier League | 25-11-09 | Nottingham Forest | 3-1 (1-1) | Leeds United |
| UEFA Europa League | 25-11-07 | Rangers FC | 0-0 (0-0) | Nottingham Forest |
| Premier League | 25-11-01 | Nottingham Forest | 2-2 (0-1) | Manchester United |
Handicap Prediction:
Fulham -0.25 (Asian Handicap)
Home Win (European Handicap)
Predicted Scores: 0-1, 1-1, 1-2
Predicted Total Goals: 1, 2, 3
This content provides sports news and pre-match analysis for fan discussion only. Sports events involve uncertainties; actual results shall prevail.
