Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Prediction: Nottingham Forest will likely defeat Crystal Palace 1-0 at the City Ground on February 1, 2026, as the home side’s improved defensive form under Sean Dyche and Palace’s five consecutive away defeats suggest a narrow victory for the hosts in this Premier League matchweek 24 encounter.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Matchweek | 24 |
| Date | Sunday, February 1, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 7:30 PM (Local Time) |
| Venue | City Ground, Nottingham |
| Forest Position | 17th (25 points) |
| Palace Position | 15th (28 points) |
| Forest Form | W-D-W-L-L |
| Palace Form | L-L-D-L-D-L |
Key Facts
- Nottingham Forest remain unbeaten in their last 10 competitive meetings against Crystal Palace.
- Crystal Palace have lost their previous five consecutive away matches in the Premier League.
- Forest secured their Europa League playoff spot after defeating Ferencvaros 4-0 on January 30, 2026.
- Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed he will leave the club when his contract expires in summer 2026.
- The Eagles have gone 11 matches without a victory across all competitions since December 11, 2025.
- Forest sit just five points above the relegation zone despite recent improvements under Sean Dyche.
- Only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer Premier League goals than Forest’s 23 this season.
- Palace midfielder Adam Wharton will serve a suspension after receiving a red card against Chelsea.
- The last two encounters at City Ground both finished 1-0 in Forest’s favor.
- Forest have not scored multiple goals against Palace in a single match since 2012.
On This Page
Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Preview and Prediction
Sean Dyche has brought stability to Nottingham Forest after a turbulent start to the 2025-26 campaign.
The Tricky Trees endured managerial changes that saw both Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou depart before Dyche took charge in October.
His impact has been gradual but noticeable, with Forest now unbeaten in three Premier League matches.
The recent 2-0 victory at Brentford on January 25 demonstrated Forest’s growing defensive solidity.
Dyche’s pragmatic approach has tightened the backline, though scoring remains problematic.
With just 23 league goals, Forest struggle to convert chances into results.
Their Europa League campaign provides a welcome distraction, and the comprehensive 4-0 dismantling of Ferencvaros showcased their potential when confidence flows.
Crystal Palace face a contrasting situation.
After their remarkable 2024-25 season that delivered FA Cup glory and European qualification, the Eagles have nosedived. The 3-1 home defeat to Chelsea on January 25 extended their winless streak to 11 matches.
Glasner’s announcement about leaving in summer has created uncertainty, while Marc Guehi’s departure to Manchester City removed a leadership figure from the dressing room.
Palace have collected 28 points but sit precariously close to danger. Their away form has collapsed completely, with five straight defeats on the road.
The Conference League offers little consolation, as they could only secure a playoff position after disappointing results against KuPS and AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park.
Predicted Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Lineups and Formations
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
Defense: Ola Aina, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, Neco Williams
Midfield: Elliot Anderson, Ibrahim Sangare
Attacking Midfield: Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White, Nicolas Dominguez
Forward: Igor Jesus
Dyche favors a compact 4-2-3-1 system that prioritizes defensive organization. Sangare and Anderson provide the shield in front of the back four, while Gibbs-White operates as the creative hub.
Hudson-Odoi’s pace on the flanks offers counter-attacking threat.
Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
Defense: Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Jake Canvot, Daniel Munoz
Midfield: Jefferson Lerma, Will Hughes
Attacking Midfield: Yeremy Pino, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ismaila Sarr
Forward: Jean-Philippe Mateta
Palace will likely mirror Forest’s formation. Without Wharton, Lerma drops deeper alongside Hughes.
Mateta leads the line with support from Pino and Sarr, who provide width and directness.
Injury Report and Impact Analysis
Nottingham Forest Injuries
Long-term Absences:
- John Victor (Goalkeeper) – Serious knee injury sustained against Aston Villa in January. Expected to miss several months.
- Chris Wood (Forward) – Knee problem keeping him sidelined until late season. Major blow to attacking options.
- Nicolo Savona (Defender) – Knee injury with no confirmed return date.
Victor’s absence forces reliance on Sels, who has performed adequately. Wood’s unavailability significantly hampers Forest’s goal-scoring capabilities.
The New Zealand international would provide the clinical finishing Dyche desperately needs.
Crystal Palace Injuries
Confirmed Absences:
- Eddie Nketiah (Forward) – Muscle injury with no specified return timeline.
- Daichi Kamada (Midfielder) – Muscle problem continuing to sideline him.
- Chieck Doucoure (Midfielder) – Knee injury sustained over a year ago. Still recovering.
Doubtful:
- Nathaniel Clyne (Defender) – Groin issue. Late fitness test required. Missed four matches.
Suspended:
- Adam Wharton (Midfielder) – Red card against Chelsea. Serves one-match ban.
Wharton’s suspension represents the most significant blow. The young midfielder has been Palace’s most consistent performer this season.
His absence weakens their midfield control and ball progression. Nketiah’s unavailability removes attacking depth, forcing Glasner to rely heavily on Mateta.
Where to Watch Live?
India: JioHotstar and Palace TV+ (audio commentary only, subscription required)
United Kingdom: Sky Sports+
United States: Peacock
Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
Australia: Stan Sport
International: Palace TV+ (audio commentary, subscription required)
Broadcast availability varies by region. Fans should check local listings for confirmed coverage. Digital subscriptions or TV provider authentication may be required for streaming access.
Statistical Analysis
Forest’s defensive record under Dyche shows improvement. They have conceded just three goals in their last three league matches.
However, their attacking output remains concerning. The team averages less than one goal per game in the Premier League.
Palace’s away statistics paint a grim picture. They have scored just six goals in 11 away matches this season while conceding 18.
Their expected goals (xG) data suggests they create chances but lack clinical finishing.
Head-to-Head Analysis
The recent history heavily favors Forest. Their 10-match unbeaten run against Palace includes:
- August 24, 2025: Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest
- May 6, 2025: Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest
- October 22, 2024: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Crystal Palace
- March 30, 2024: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Crystal Palace
- October 7, 2023: Crystal Palace 0-0 Nottingham Forest
Low-scoring affairs dominate this fixture. Five of the last six meetings have featured two goals or fewer.
Forest’s home advantage at City Ground has proven decisive, with narrow 1-0 victories in recent seasons.
Tactical Analysis
Dyche will instruct Forest to sit deep and absorb pressure. Quick transitions through Hudson-Odoi and Dominguez will target Palace’s vulnerable defense.
Set pieces offer another avenue, with Milenkovic and Murillo providing aerial threat.
Glasner faces tactical dilemmas. Without Wharton’s ball-carrying ability, Palace must find alternative ways to progress play.
Lerma lacks the same dynamism, potentially forcing longer passes toward Mateta. The wide players must stretch Forest’s compact shape to create space centrally.
Key Players to Watch
Morgan Gibbs-White (Forest)
The attacking midfielder dictates Forest’s tempo. His vision and passing range unlock defenses. Against a struggling Palace side, Gibbs-White could exploit spaces between lines.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Palace)
The French forward carries Palace’s goal-scoring burden. His physical presence troubles defenders, and he has scored crucial goals this season. Mateta must convert limited chances.
Ibrahim Sangare (Forest)
The defensive midfielder breaks up opposition attacks and shields the back four. His discipline will be crucial in nullifying Palace’s counter-attacks.
Ismaila Sarr (Palace)
The winger’s pace frightens defenders. If Palace can get him isolated against Forest’s full-backs, he could create opportunities.
Expert Insight
Gibbs-White’s influence cannot be overstated. His ability to find pockets of space and deliver incisive passes makes him Forest’s most dangerous creative outlet.
Against a Palace side lacking defensive cohesion, he could orchestrate multiple scoring opportunities. His set-piece delivery also poses problems, particularly with Forest’s aerial strength.
Current Premier League Standings
Nottingham Forest: 17th position, 25 points (7 wins, 4 draws, 12 losses)
Crystal Palace: 15th position, 28 points (7 wins, 7 draws, 9 losses)
Both teams hover uncomfortably close to the relegation zone. Forest sit five points above 18th-placed West Ham United, while Palace enjoy a slightly more comfortable cushion.
Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Prediction
Forest’s home advantage and Palace’s dreadful away form suggest a home victory.
The historical pattern of low-scoring encounters will likely continue. Forest’s defensive organization under Dyche should frustrate Palace’s limited attacking threat.
Predicted Score: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Crystal Palace
Forest will grind out a narrow victory through defensive discipline and one moment of quality.
Palace’s winless run will extend to 12 matches as their away struggles continue.
The match will feature few clear chances, with both teams prioritizing defensive stability over attacking ambition.
Read all Football Predictions.
FAQs
Where To Watch Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Live?
Fans can watch Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace live on JioHotstar in India, Sky Sports+ in the United Kingdom, Peacock in the United States, and DAZN Canada in Canada, with Palace TV+ offering audio-only commentary internationally for subscribers on February 1, 2026.
Who Will Win Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Match?
Nottingham Forest will likely win the match against Crystal Palace based on their 10-game unbeaten streak against the Eagles, Palace’s five consecutive away defeats, and Forest’s improved defensive stability under manager Sean Dyche at the City Ground.
What is Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Match Kick-Off Time?
The Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Premier League match kicks off at 7:30 PM local time on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the City Ground in Nottingham for matchweek 24 of the 2025-26 season.
Are There Any Injuries in Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Match?
Yes, both teams face significant injuries: Forest miss goalkeeper John Victor and striker Chris Wood with long-term knee problems, while Palace lose suspended midfielder Adam Wharton to a red card and forwards Eddie Nketiah and Daichi Kamada remain out with muscle injuries.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Match?
Nottingham Forest 1-0 Crystal Palace represents the most likely scoreline, as the last two meetings at City Ground ended 1-0 to Forest, Palace have failed to score in five straight away games, and both teams average under one goal per match this season.
Crystal Palace Standing with Points?
Crystal Palace currently sit in 15th position in the Premier League table with 28 points from 23 matches, recording 7 wins, 7 draws, and 9 losses with a goal difference of -4 after their 3-1 home defeat to Chelsea.
Nottingham Forest Standing With Points?
Nottingham Forest occupy 17th position in the Premier League standings with 25 points from 23 matches, collecting 7 wins, 4 draws, and 12 losses with a goal difference of -11, sitting just five points above the relegation zone.