April 30, 2025
3 Minute Read
Nottingham Forest v Brentford Preview: Predictions and Best Bets
Thursday | 18:30 UTC | The City Ground | Premier League
Nottingham Forest will look to bounce back from FA Cup disappointment when they host Brentford on Thursday night, with the opportunity to climb into the Premier League’s Top 3.
Forest Targeting Historic Top-Five Finish
Forest’s silverware ambitions ended with their FA Cup exit at the weekend, but Nuno Espírito Santo’s side can still make history in the league. A win over Brentford would move them up to third, keeping Champions League qualification firmly within reach.
Motivation won’t be a problem for the hosts, while Brentford arrive with little left to play for, comfortably lodged in mid-table. That extra edge could prove crucial in this midweek encounter.
Home Advantage Could Prove Decisive
Forest have been a formidable force at the City Ground this season, losing just 1 of their last 10 home league games (W7, D2). Although they did suffer a rare setback against Everton last time out, that defeat ended a 9-match unbeaten home run.
Brentford have managed just 2 wins in their last 7 matches and come into this one off the back of only a single point from their last 2 away trips. Crucially, the Bees have struggled against the Premier League’s elite, taking just 1 point from 5 visits to Top 6 sides this season.
With everything to play for, backing Forest to make home advantage count looks a strong play.
Forest to Win but Clean Sheet Unlikely
The Bees usually offer a threat going forward, scoring in 13 of their 15 Premier League away games this season. Forest have also failed to keep a clean sheet in 4 of their last 5 league matches.
A 2-1 win for the home side appeals in the correct-score market, with Forest winning 3 of their last 4 league games by a one-goal margin.
Chris Wood, who bagged his 19th league goal of the season in Forest’s win over Spurs, looks the best bet to find the net again. Fully fit after a brief spell out, the New Zealand international could play a key role once more.
How the Bookies See It
Forest are 2.14 favourites to claim all three points at the City Ground, while Brentford are priced at 3.20. A draw is available at 3.45.
Head-to-Head: Forest Hold the Upper Hand
Nottingham Forest won the reverse fixture 2-0 earlier this season but Brentford have the better overall record in this fixture throughout the years and have only lost 1 of their last 7 head to heads.
Players to Watch
Chris Wood is the obvious dangerman for the hosts, scoring 19 goals in just 31 league appearances. Brentford’s Mbuema & Wissa remain their biggest attacking threat, but the Bees’ motivation could be lacking at this stage of the campaign.
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest: Sels; Aina, Murillo, Milenkovic, Toffolo; Dominguez, Anderson, Danilo; Gibbs-White, Elanga; Wood
Brentford: Flekken; Kayode, van den Berg, Collins, Henry; Janelt, Damsgaard, Jensen; Mbeumo, Wissa, Schade
Stephen’s Betting Tips
✅ Nottingham Forest to Win – 2.14
✅ Chris Wood to Score Anytime – 2.20
✅ Correct Score: Nottingham Forest 2-1 – 8.50
Odds are correct at time of writing.
