Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Nottingham Forest will likely defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 at the City Ground on February 12, 2026, as the hosts hold a superior home record with 12 points from 12 matches while Wolves has collected only 3 points from 12 away games without a single victory this Premier League season.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League 2025/26 Season |
| Match Week | 26 |
| Date | Thursday, February 12, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 1:00 AM IST |
| Venue | City Ground, Nottingham |
| Referee | To be confirmed |
| Live Broadcast (India) | JioHotstar |
Key Facts
- Nottingham Forest currently sits in 17th position with 26 points from 25 matches, holding a three-point cushion above the relegation zone.
- Wolverhampton Wanderers occupies the bottom position with just 8 points from 25 games, facing an 18-point gap to safety.
- Forest has collected 12 points from 12 home fixtures this season, while Wolves has managed only 3 points from 12 away matches without a single victory.
- The teams last met in December 2025, with Forest securing a 1-0 victory at Molineux.
- Wolves has failed to win in their last seven encounters against Forest across all competitions.
- Forest defeated Ferencvaros 4-0 in the Europa League on January 30, 2026, before losing 3-1 to Leeds United on February 7.
- Wolves suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Chelsea on February 7, extending their losing streak to three consecutive Premier League matches.
On This Page
Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Preview and Prediction
Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest approaches this fixture with survival instincts sharpened.
The recent 3-1 defeat at Leeds United damaged their confidence, but the home advantage at City Ground provides hope.
Forest has demonstrated resilience in patches this season, particularly in European competition where they dispatched Ferencvaros convincingly.
Rob Edwards guides Wolverhampton Wanderers through what appears an inevitable relegation battle.
The statistics paint a grim picture—one solitary victory against West Ham in early January represents their only league success.
The January transfer window brought reinforcements, suggesting the club already prepares for Championship football next season.
The tactical battle centers on Forest’s need to exploit home advantage against the division’s worst traveling team.
Wolves has collected merely three points on the road, failing to register a single away victory.
This statistical reality provides Forest with psychological leverage before kick-off.
Expected Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Lineups
Nottingham Forest Expected Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Ortega
Defenders: Aina (Right-back), Murillo (Center-back), Milenkovic (Center-back), Williams (Left-back)
Midfielders: Anderson (Central midfielder), Sangare (Central midfielder)
Attacking Midfielders: Ndoye (Right wing), Gibbs-White (Attacking midfielder), Dominguez (Left wing)
Forward: Lucca (Striker)
Wolverhampton Wanderers Expected Starting XI (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper: Sa
Defenders: Doherty (Right center-back), Mosquera (Center-back), S. Bueno (Left center-back)
Midfielders: H. Bueno (Left wing-back), J. Gomes (Central midfielder), Andre (Central midfielder), A. Gomes (Right wing-back)
Forwards: Armstrong (Right wing), Arokodare (Striker), Mane (Left wing)
Key Notes:
- Murillo returns from calf injury for Forest
- Neco Williams back from suspension
- Lorenzo Lucca expected to make full debut
- Angel Gomes moved to wing-back role due to Hwang Hee-chan’s injury
- Mateus Mane continues in attacking position
Team Formations and Tactical Setup
Nottingham Forest typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes width and quick transitions.
The system allows attacking midfielders to support the lone striker while maintaining defensive solidity through a double pivot.
Dyche favors this structure because it provides balance between defensive organization and attacking threat.
Wolverhampton Wanderers operates with a 3-4-3 formation designed to control possession through wing-backs.
Edwards uses this system to maximize width while the three center-backs provide defensive coverage.
However, the formation has struggled to prevent goals, as evidenced by their league-worst defensive record.
The tactical contrast creates an interesting dynamic.
Forest’s compact shape aims to frustrate Wolves’ possession-based approach, while the visitors must find ways to break down organized defensive blocks.
Complete Injury Report
Nottingham Forest Injuries
Murillo (defender) battles a calf injury but could return for this crucial fixture.
The Brazilian’s presence would significantly strengthen Forest’s defensive line.
Matz Sels (goalkeeper) faces a late fitness test on a hip problem causing discomfort.
John Victor, Chris Wood, and Nicolo Savona remain definitely unavailable.
Neco Williams returns from suspension, providing a boost to Forest’s defensive options.
His energy and attacking contributions from full-back position add another dimension to their play.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Injuries
Hwang Hee-chan (forward) suffered a hamstring injury against Chelsea and faces a spell on the sidelines.
This represents a significant blow as the South Korean provides pace and goal threat. Toti Gomes (defender) continues recovering from a thigh injury.
Andre (midfielder) could recover from a calf problem to feature in central midfield.
His potential return would strengthen Wolves’ midfield control and ball retention.
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
Murillo’s potential return for Forest cannot be understated. The defender brings composure and quality to their backline, qualities desperately needed against any opponent.
His absence has coincided with defensive vulnerabilities that opponents have exploited.
Hwang Hee-chan’s absence removes Wolves’ primary pace outlet. The forward’s ability to stretch defenses and create space for teammates makes him irreplaceable in Edwards’ system.
Without him, Wolves lacks a genuine counter-attacking threat, forcing them into more predictable build-up patterns.
Chris Wood’s unavailability for Forest means Lorenzo Lucca likely receives his full debut.
The Italian striker scored his first Forest goal against Leeds and brings physical presence that could trouble Wolves’ defense.
Where to Watch Live?
Indian viewers can watch the match live on JioHotstar with kick-off scheduled for 1:00 AM IST.
The streaming platform holds exclusive rights for Premier League coverage in India.
Globally, the match broadcasts across various networks including TNT Sports (UK), DAZN (multiple territories), ESPN networks (Americas), and SuperSport (Africa). Specific regional broadcasters provide coverage in over 100 countries worldwide.
Key Players to Watch
Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) continues attracting attention from bigger clubs despite Forest’s struggles.
The midfielder’s energy, passing range, and tactical intelligence make him Forest’s creative heartbeat.
His ability to transition play from defense to attack quickly could exploit Wolves’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Morgan Gibbs-White provides Forest’s attacking spark through his movement between lines.
The playmaker’s vision and technical quality create opportunities for teammates while his work rate supports defensive efforts.
Mateus Mane (Wolverhampton Wanderers) has emerged as a bright spot in Wolves’ difficult season.
The young forward’s performances have attracted interest from major clubs, demonstrating his quality despite the team’s struggles. His pace and directness provide Wolves with their most dangerous attacking outlet.
Angel Gomes could shift to a wide position following Hwang’s injury. The midfielder’s technical ability and intelligent movement make him capable of unlocking defenses through different angles.
Statistical Analysis and Head-to-Head History
The recent head-to-head record favors Nottingham Forest decisively. Wolves has failed to beat Forest in their last seven meetings across all competitions.
The December 2025 encounter at Molineux ended 1-0 to Forest, continuing this trend.
Historical context reveals Wolves hasn’t won at City Ground in league competition since September 2017—a Championship fixture.
This psychological barrier adds pressure on the visitors before they even arrive.
Forest’s home record (12 points from 12 matches) appears modest, but Wolves’ away form (3 points from 12 matches) represents the division’s worst. This statistical contrast suggests Forest holds significant advantage.
Current League Standings
Nottingham Forest stands at 17th place with 26 points (7 wins, 5 draws, 13 losses), having scored 25 goals and conceded 38.
Their goal difference of -13 reflects defensive struggles throughout the campaign.
Wolverhampton Wanderers languishes at 20th position with 8 points (1 win, 5 draws, 19 losses), scoring just 16 goals while conceding 48.
Their goal difference of -32 represents the worst defensive record in the division.
The gap between these two sides tells a story of contrasting seasons, though both teams face significant pressure regarding their Premier League status.
Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Prediction
The match carries enormous implications for both clubs, though for different reasons.
Forest fights for survival with realistic hopes, while Wolves appears destined for relegation barring a miraculous turnaround.
Forest’s European commitments add complexity to their season. The upcoming Europa League knockout tie against Fenerbahce on February 19 means squad rotation becomes a consideration.
However, league survival takes absolute priority over continental adventures.
Wolves’ January transfer activity suggests the club already plans for Championship football.
The reinforcements brought in target immediate impact but also possess qualities suited for second-tier competition.
The tactical battle favors Forest. Their compact defensive shape and quick transitions suit matches against possession-oriented opponents.
Wolves must break down organized defenses without their primary pace threat in Hwang, making their task considerably harder.
Match Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Forest’s home advantage, superior recent form, and Wolves’ abysmal away record point toward a home victory.
The match will likely remain tight throughout, with both teams showing defensive fragilities. However, Forest possesses enough quality and motivation to secure three vital points in their survival battle.
The scoreline reflects the competitive nature expected between two struggling sides, but Forest’s superior position and home comfort should prove decisive.
Wolves will compete and likely score, but their defensive issues and lack of away victories suggest they cannot prevent defeat at City Ground.
Read all Football Predictions.
FAQs
Where To Watch Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Live?
Indian viewers can watch Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton Wanderers live on JioHotstar at 1:00 AM IST on February 12, 2026, while UK audiences can stream the Premier League match on TNT Sports 6 and discovery+ platforms.
Who Will Win Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Match?
Nottingham Forest will likely win against Wolverhampton Wanderers because the hosts have won their last two meetings including a 1-0 victory at Molineux in December 2025, while Wolves remains winless in seven consecutive matches against Forest across all competitions.
What is Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Match Kick-Off Time?
Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton Wanderers kicks off at 1:00 AM IST on Thursday, February 12, 2026, during matchweek 26 of the Premier League 2025/26 season at the City Ground in Nottingham.
Are There Any Injuries in Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Match?
Nottingham Forest faces injuries to Chris Wood, John Victor, and Nicolo Savona while Matz Sels undergoes a late fitness test, and Wolverhampton Wanderers will miss Hwang Hee-chan due to a hamstring injury and Toti Gomes with a thigh problem, though Murillo could return for Forest and Andre may recover for Wolves.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Match?
Nottingham Forest will defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 based on Forest’s home advantage with 12 points from 12 matches and Wolves’ league-worst away record of just 3 points from 12 games without a single road victory this season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Standing with Points?
Wolverhampton Wanderers sits at 20th position (bottom) in the Premier League with 8 points from 25 matches, having recorded 1 win, 5 draws, and 19 losses with a goal difference of -32 after scoring 16 goals and conceding 48.
Nottingham Forest Standing With Points?
Nottingham Forest occupies 17th position in the Premier League with 26 points from 25 matches, sitting three points above the relegation zone after recording 7 wins, 5 draws, and 13 losses with 25 goals scored and 38 conceded.