The Premier League promises yet another thrilling encounter as Nottingham Forest and Brentford prepare to lock horns at the historic City Ground stadium in Nottingham, England.
Scheduled for October 1, 2023, at 13:00 UTC, this clash holds the spotlight in a season where every point counts for these two mid-table contenders.
Nottingham Forest currently occupies the 12th position, while Brentford is closely behind in 13th place.
With just a single point separating the teams, Sunday's showdown promises to be a closely contested battle.
Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford: Recent form
Nottingham Forest enters this match on the back of a narrow defeat against 10-man Manchester City.
However, their 2023-24 campaign has been far from disappointing, with two wins and a draw in the Premier League.
This strong start contrasts sharply with their struggles in the previous season.
Forest's Premier League form has been somewhat inconsistent, with two wins, two losses, and two draws.
Brentford, on the other hand, has had a challenging time recently, failing to create a buzz in a midweek EFL Cup loss to Arsenal.
Their Premier League form has seen them secure two draws but suffer three losses in their last five matches.
In terms of all competitions, Brentford has struggled to find their rhythm, with only one win in their last six games.
Head-to-Head history
In their previous 16 head-to-head encounters, Brentford has the edge, having won nine games, lost four, and drawn three.
This history suggests that Nottingham Forest might have a point to prove and could be motivated to change the script in this crucial Premier League clash.
Key players to watch
Nottingham Forest boasts the attacking prowess of Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who has made an impressive start to the season with five goal contributions in just five league starts.
Swedish winger Anthony Elanga has also been a standout performer, contributing two goals in one league start.
Brentford's attack is spearheaded by Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo, who has netted four goals in six league starts this season.
Danish midfielder Mathias Jensen has also played a crucial role, bagging two goals in six league starts.
Team news
Nottingham Forest: Overcoming injuries and assembling a strong squad
Nottingham Forest's return to the Premier League after a lengthy absence was marred by injuries throughout their comeback campaign.
However, as they prepare to face Brentford at the City Ground, the squad appears to be in much better shape.
Brazilian midfielder Danilo and Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares are the only current injury concerns, providing some much-needed respite for manager Cooper.
Despite the challenges posed by injuries, Nottingham Forest has made significant strides in bolstering their squad.
Cooper, still in search of his best starting XI, has welcomed a host of high-profile signings during the summer transfer window.
Notable additions such as Ibrahim Sangare, Anthony Elanga, Nicolas Dominguez, Divock Origi, and Callum Hudson-Odoi have injected fresh talent and depth into the team.
One player who has been instrumental in Forest's recent performances is Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi.
With 11 goal involvements (nine goals and two assists) in his last 11 Premier League appearances, Awoniyi has emerged as a potent force leading the line for the Reds.
His consistent goal-scoring form has made him a key figure in Nottingham Forest's attacking setup.
Complementing Awoniyi's attacking prowess is the influential playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, who operates behind the striker.
Gibbs-White's creativity and vision have been vital in linking up the midfield and attack, making him a crucial part of Cooper's tactical plans.
In terms of the defensive setup, Cooper is expected to revert back to a four-man defense against Brentford, having experimented with a five-man backline against Manchester City.
In this configuration, Joe Worrall and Moussa Niakhate are likely to be the preferred choices at center-back, while Ola Aina and Serge Aurier are expected to occupy the full-back positions.
This defensive quartet will be tasked with providing solidity at the back while supporting attacks when necessary.
Brentford's injury woes ahead of the clash
On the other side of the pitch, Brentford faces a challenging situation with several key players unavailable for their Premier League trip to the City Ground.
Manager Thomas Frank has had to contend with a string of injuries and surgical procedures that have affected the squad's depth and options.
Ben Mee, Shandon Baptiste, and Josh Dasilva are confirmed absentees for the game against Nottingham Forest due to injury.
This trio's absence will undoubtedly impact Brentford's tactical plans and could lead to changes in the starting lineup.
Additionally, three other players, Kevin Schade (adductor), Rico Henry (knee), and Mikkel Damsgaard, have undergone surgery this week.
The need for surgical interventions highlights the severity of their injuries and will likely result in an extended absence from the pitch.
These setbacks pose a significant challenge for Brentford as they look to compete in the Premier League.
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford predicted lineups
Nottingham Forest predicted starting lineup:
Turner; Aurier, Worrall, Niakhate, Ainia; Sangare, Yates; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Awoniyi
Brentford predicted starting lineup:
Flekken; Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Hickey; Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Wissa, Lewis-Potter
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford predictions
A Close Game: All signs point toward a closely fought match between Nottingham Forest and Brentford.
Both teams have shown glimpses of their potential this season, and it's expected to be a closely contested battle on the pitch.
Nottingham Forest 2-1 Brentford: Considering Nottingham Forest's impressive home record in the Premier League and Brentford's recent struggles, it's reasonable to predict a win for Cooper's side.
The Tricky Trees are likely to secure a narrow victory at the City Ground.
Tip 1 – Result: Nottingham Nottingham Forest is favored to emerge victorious in this matchup.
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 Goals: The game is likely to feature over 2.5 goals, with both teams showcasing attacking prowess and defensive frailties.
Tip 3 – Both Teams to Keep a Clean Sheet: Neither Nottingham Forest nor Brentford is expected to keep a clean sheet, given their recent form and history of conceding goals.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 month ago
