Fulham vs Nottingham Forest Prediction: Fulham and Nottingham Forest will likely draw 1-1 at Craven Cottage on Monday, December 23, 2025, as Fulham’s attacking strength at home meets Forest’s solid defensive organization in a crucial Premier League relegation battle.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League |
| Date | Monday, December 23, 2025 |
| Venue | Craven Cottage, London |
| Kick-off Time | Evening fixture (final pre-Christmas game) |
| Current Form | Fulham: WWLLW / Forest: WLWLWW |
| League Position | Fulham: 15th (20 points) / Forest: 17th (18 points) |
Key Facts
- Fulham holds a dominant head-to-head record at Craven Cottage with three consecutive Premier League victories, scoring nine goals while conceding just one.
- Nottingham Forest arrives with momentum after winning six of their last eight matches across all competitions.
- The Cottagers defeated Burnley 3-2 in their last Premier League fixture but suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 EFL Cup quarter-final loss to Newcastle United on Wednesday.
- Forest demolished Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 at the City Ground in their most recent league match.
- Both teams face significant absences due to Africa Cup of Nations call-ups, with Fulham losing three key players.
- Fulham has scored in nine of their 10 home matches this season, demonstrating strong attacking output at Craven Cottage.
- Forest has kept clean sheets in six of their last seven matches, showcasing defensive solidity under Sean Dyche.
- Only two points separate the teams in the Premier League table, making this a crucial relegation battle encounter.
On This Page
Match Preview
The final Premier League fixture before Christmas brings together two clubs fighting to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
Marco Silva’s Fulham hosts Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest in what promises to be a tactical battle between contrasting styles.
Fulham enters this contest with mixed emotions after their midweek EFL Cup elimination.
Lewis Miley’s injury-time header ended their Wembley dreams, but the Cottagers showed resilience in their previous league outing.
Harry Wilson inspired a 3-2 victory at Burnley, snapping a two-game losing streak in the division.
The Welsh midfielder’s creativity will be crucial as Fulham looks to maintain their impressive home scoring record.
Forest arrives in London riding a wave of confidence. The Tricky Trees have transformed under Dyche’s leadership, collecting victories in six of their last eight matches.
Their 3-0 dismantling of Tottenham showcased their attacking prowess, with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ibrahim Sangare combining for three goals and three assists.
This performance highlighted Forest’s ability to punish vulnerable defenses.
The tactical setup will be fascinating. Fulham typically employs an attacking approach at Craven Cottage, with both teams scoring and conceding in their last five matches across all competitions.
Forest, conversely, has built their recent success on defensive organization, keeping clean sheets regularly. This clash of philosophies could determine the outcome.
Team Injuries and Impact
Fulham Injury List
Africa Cup of Nations Absences:
- Calvin Bassey (Nigeria) – Defender
- Alex Iwobi (Nigeria) – Midfielder
- Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria) – Winger
Other Injuries:
- Sasa Lukic (Groin) – Doubtful
- Ryan Sessegnon (Thigh) – Out
- Rodrigo Muniz (Thigh) – Out
Nottingham Forest Injury List
Africa Cup of Nations Absences:
- Ibrahim Sangare (Ivory Coast) – Midfielder
- Willy Boly (Ivory Coast) – Defender
Other Injuries:
- Chris Wood (Knee) – Out
- Ola Aina (Thigh) – Out
- Ryan Yates (Thigh) – Out
- Taiwo Awoniyi (Unspecified) – Doubtful
- Nicolas Dominguez (Knee) – Expected to be fit
- Matz Sels (Groin) – Expected to be fit
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
Fulham’s loss of Alex Iwobi represents their most significant blow. The Nigerian midfielder has been instrumental in their creative play, providing the link between midfield and attack.
His absence forces Silva to rely on Sasa Lukic, who himself faces a fitness test after suffering a groin injury against Newcastle.
If Lukic cannot play, Fulham’s midfield depth becomes critically thin.
Samuel Chukwueze’s absence removes pace and directness from Fulham’s right flank.
Kevin will likely replace him, but the drop in quality could be noticeable against Forest’s organized defense.
For Forest, losing Ibrahim Sangare after his match-winning performance against Tottenham is unfortunate timing.
The Ivorian midfielder’s physical presence and goal threat will be missed.
Douglas Luiz should replace him, and the Brazilian’s technical quality could actually benefit Forest’s build-up play.
The potential return of Matz Sels in goal for Forest is crucial.
The Belgian goalkeeper has been reliable this season, and his presence provides stability that John Victor cannot match.
Predicted Fulham vs Nottingham Forest Lineups and Formation
Fulham (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Leno
Defense: Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson
Midfield: Berge, Lukic
Attack: Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin
Striker: Jimenez
Silva will likely deploy Jorge Cuenca alongside Andersen in central defense to compensate for Bassey’s absence.
Kevin takes Chukwueze’s position on the right wing, while Harry Wilson operates from the left.
Emile Smith Rowe provides creativity through the middle, supporting Raul Jimenez.
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Sels
Defense: Savona, Murillo, Milenkovic, Williams
Midfield: Luiz, Anderson
Attack: Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi
Striker: Jesus
Dyche will restore Sels between the posts after his midweek rest. Douglas Luiz partners Anderson in central midfield, replacing the departed Sangare.
Morgan Gibbs-White orchestrates attacks from the number 10 position, with Hudson-Odoi continuing on the left after his brilliant Tottenham display.
Tactical Analysis
Fulham’s approach centers on quick transitions and wide play. Robinson and Tete provide width from full-back positions, allowing Wilson and Kevin to cut inside.
Smith Rowe’s movement between the lines creates space for Jimenez, who excels at holding up play and bringing teammates into attacks.
Forest’s defensive structure remains their foundation. Dyche organizes his team in compact blocks, forcing opponents wide before pressing aggressively.
Hudson-Odoi’s pace on the counter-attack provides their primary offensive weapon, while Gibbs-White’s vision unlocks defenses with precise passing.
The midfield battle will be decisive. Fulham’s Berge and Lukic must control possession and dictate tempo, while Forest’s Luiz and Anderson will look to disrupt rhythm and launch quick breaks.
Head-to-Head Analysis
The historical record heavily favors Fulham in this fixture. Across 108 meetings in all competitions, the Cottagers have won 47 times compared to Forest’s 33 victories, with 28 draws.
Recent Premier League Meetings:
- February 15, 2025: Fulham 2-1 Forest
- September 28, 2024: Forest 0-1 Fulham
- April 2, 2024: Forest 3-1 Fulham
- December 6, 2023: Fulham 5-0 Forest
- February 11, 2023: Fulham 2-0 Forest
Fulham has won five of six Premier League encounters, including all three at Craven Cottage by a combined 9-1 scoreline.
This represents Forest’s worst 100% losing record at any away venue in the competition.
Current Standings
Premier League Table (Gameweek 17):
Fulham sits in 15th position with 20 points from 16 matches (6 wins, 2 draws, 8 losses).
They have scored 23 goals and conceded 26, giving them a goal difference of -3.
Nottingham Forest occupies 17th place with 18 points from 16 matches (5 wins, 3 draws, 8 losses). They have scored 17 goals and conceded 25, resulting in a -8 goal difference.
A Forest victory would see them leapfrog Fulham in the table, making this a six-pointer in the relegation battle.
Where to Watch Live
India: JioHotstar
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Go UK, NOW
United States: USA Network, NBC Sports App, nbcsports.com
Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
Australia: Stan Sport
Match Prediction
This match presents a fascinating tactical puzzle. Fulham’s attacking intent at home clashes with Forest’s defensive resilience and counter-attacking threat.
The absence of key players on both sides adds unpredictability.
Fulham’s home record suggests they will create chances, but Forest’s recent defensive performances indicate they can frustrate the hosts.
Hudson-Odoi’s form makes Forest dangerous on the break, while Wilson’s creativity gives Fulham an edge in possession.
The midweek EFL Cup defeat may have drained Fulham physically and emotionally, while Forest arrives fresh and confident.
However, Fulham’s historical dominance at Craven Cottage cannot be ignored.
Predicted Score: Fulham 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Both teams will likely cancel each other out in a tense encounter. Fulham’s attacking quality at home should produce a goal, but Forest’s defensive organization and counter-attacking threat will earn them a valuable point.
Read all Football Predictions.
The absence of creative players on both sides suggests a low-scoring affair, with neither team willing to take excessive risks in such a crucial relegation battle.
FAQs
Where To Watch Fulham vs Nottingham Forest Live?
Fans can watch Fulham vs Nottingham Forest live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event in the United Kingdom, JioHotstar in India, USA Network and NBC Sports App in the United States, and DAZN Canada in Canada on Monday, December 23, 2025.
Who Will Win Fulham vs Nottingham Forest Match?
Fulham holds a slight advantage based on their perfect home record against Forest in the Premier League (three wins from three matches with a 9-1 aggregate score at Craven Cottage), but Nottingham Forest’s recent form of six wins in eight matches makes this a closely contested relegation battle that could end in a draw.
What is Fulham vs Nottingham Forest Match Kick-Off Time?
Fulham vs Nottingham Forest kicks off on Monday evening, December 23, 2025, at Craven Cottage in London as the final Premier League fixture before Christmas Day in gameweek 17 of the 2025-26 season.
Are There Any Injuries in Fulham vs Nottingham Forest Match?
Fulham loses three key players to Africa Cup of Nations duty (Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze from Nigeria) while Sasa Lukic faces a groin injury doubt, and Nottingham Forest misses Ibrahim Sangare (Ivory Coast AFCON), Chris Wood (knee), Ola Aina (thigh), and Ryan Yates (thigh), though Matz Sels and Nicolas Dominguez should return to fitness.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Fulham vs Nottingham Forest Match?
The predicted score is Fulham 1-1 Nottingham Forest because Fulham’s attacking quality at home (scoring in nine of 10 home matches) will be balanced by Forest’s defensive resilience (six clean sheets in seven recent games) and both teams’ significant injury absences in a crucial relegation six-pointer.
Nottingham Forest Standing with Points?
Nottingham Forest sits in 17th position in the Premier League table with 18 points from 16 matches (5 wins, 3 draws, 8 losses), having scored 17 goals and conceded 25 goals for a -8 goal difference, placing them just two points behind Fulham in the relegation battle.
Fulham Standing With Points?
Fulham occupies 15th position in the Premier League table with 20 points from 16 matches (6 wins, 2 draws, 8 losses), having scored 23 goals and conceded 26 goals for a -3 goal difference, sitting seven points clear of the relegation zone but vulnerable to teams below them.