Tottenham have won four of their last five visits to Nottingham, including a 2-0 victory almost exactly a year ago, but given Forest's current form, they'll fancy their chances of beating Spurs
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur Preview
Will Nottingham Forest's excellent season continue? On Saturday, they became the first visiting side to beat Brentford on their own turf this season, with Ola Aina and then Anthony Elanga on target during a 2-0 victory in West London. That made it three successive victories for Nuno Espírito Santo's side, who've won four of their last five overall, meaning Forest spent Christmas Day in fourth place, three points clear of nearest top four challengers Bournemouth and Villa.
The two-times European champions have not competed in UEFA competition since 95/96, with supporters rightly dreaming of a return to Europe, possibly even in the shape of Champions League qualification. So now, can the Garibaldi Reds win four successive Premier League matches for the first time since May 1995, going onto finish as high as third three decades ago?
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Of the two, surely everyone would've forecasting it would be Tottenham Hotspur on course to qualify for the Champions League approaching the mid-way mark in this campaign. Instead, Spurs continue to languish down in 11th, having lost more Premier League games than they've won to date. On Sunday, Ange Postecoglou's team were demolished 6-3 by Liverpool in North London, with goals from James Maddison, Dejan Kuluševski and Dominic Solanke enough to quell a full-scale supporters' Revolt.
So, Spurs' last four domestic matches have witnessed a whopping 28 goals, meaning a goal is scored on average every 13 minutes, with 46% of the Lilywhites' fixtures across all competitions producing four goals or more. They are certainly entertaining, but Tottenham are not on course to be successful, with that weekend hammering unlikely to inspire confidence ahead of the EFL Cup semi-finals, considering Liverpool will be their opponents once again. Of course, what all Spurs supporters crave above all else is silverware, but their team are also in desperate need of Premier League points, so will they claim a vital victory at the City Ground?
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 125.
- Nottingham Forest Wins: 37. Draws: 29. Tottenham Hotspur Wins: 59.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Nicolás Domínguez collected his fifth caution of the campaign on Saturday, meaning he is suspended. Nuno Espírito Santo switched to a back five at Brentford, handing Morato his full-Premier League debut, but is set to revert back to a four here, with Ryan Yates returning to midfield and Morgan Gibbs-White deployed further forward. Neco Williams is set to start a fourth successive match at left-back, having seemingly usurped Álex Moreno in the pecking order. The aformentioned Yates, Gibbs-White and Williams would all miss Saturday's trip to Goodison if cautioned.
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Tottenham Hotspur: (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenković, Murillo, Williams; Yates, Anderson, Gibbs-White; Elanga, Hudson-Odoi, Wood.
Nottingham Forest Players to Watch vs Tottenham Hotspur
Chris Wood has ten Premier League goals to his name this season, while the New Zealander has netted four times in 14 outings against Spurs, including netting in North London back in April.
Tottenham Hotspur Team News
Rodrigo Bentancur can return, his seven-match domestic suspension is now over, although he would be banned for Sunday's clash with Wolves if cautioned, which would be typical considering he's not been allowed to play in the league since early-November. For now, the Uruguayan will start at the base of midfield, likely alongside Yves Bissouma, with Pape Matar Sarr missing out.
At the back, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario as well as defenders Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies all remain sidelined, but, in some much-needed good news, Destiny Udogie was back on the bench at the weekend, so is expected to return at left-back, denying Djed Spence a start against his former side.
Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore and Richarlison also remain in the treatment room, leaving Ange Postecoglou with limited options throughout the entire team; Brennan Johnson, another former Forest player, was free-scoring earlier this season, but is set to begin a fourth successive league fixture on the bench.
Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest: (4-3-3): Forster; Porro, Drăgușin, Gray, Udogie; Bissouma, Bentancur, Kuluševski, Maddison, Son Heung-min; Solanke.
Tottenham Hotspur Player to Watch vs Nottingham Forest
Dejan Kuluševski has scored during each of Tottenham's last five matches, so will the Swede continue his scoring spree?
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur Prediction
We cannot see anything other than a Nottingham Forest victory on the banks of the River Trent. Forest continue to be impressive, while Spurs are consistently inconsistent, hence why we're making the hosts firm favourites; either-way, goals are guaranteed with Tottenham: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur.
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur Premier League game on TV channel?
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video
- USA: Peacock & SiriusXM FC
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network 4 Canada
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur Premier League game on live streaming?
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video
- USA: Peacock & SiriusXM FC
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League?
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur takes place on Thursday 26 December 2024, with kick off at 15:00 (GMT), 10:00 (EDT) & 7:00 (PST).