Current Standings and Form
Nottingham Forest have been the surprise package of the Premier League this season. Under the management of Nuno Espírito Santo, they have climbed to third place in the league standings, showcasing a remarkable turnaround from last season where they narrowly avoided relegation. Their recent form is impressive, boasting five consecutive Premier League victories, including a 2-0 win over Everton in their last outing. They have also beaten Spurs, Aston Villa and Manchester United in that run.
Wolves, on the other hand, find themselves in 17th place, teetering just above the relegation zone. However, the appointment of Vitor Pereira has sparked a resurgence after Gary O’Neil was sacked. They have accumulated seven points from their last three matches, highlighted by a commendable 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, matches between Wolves and Nottingham Forest have been closely contested. The last four Premier League meetings have all ended in 1-1 draws, indicating a tendency for stalemates when these teams clash. Wolves have lost only one of their last 12 league games against Forest and are unbeaten in their last five Premier League encounters.
Team News
Wolves will be without key forward Matheus Cunha, who is serving a two-match suspension following a misconduct charge. Cunha’s absence is significant, given his contribution of 10 goals and four assists in 19 league appearances this season. Additionally, Wolves are dealing with several injuries, including Yerson Mosquera, Boubacar Traore, Enso Gonzalez, Sasa Kalajdzic, and Pablo Sarabia. Mario Lemina and Andre are also doubts for the fixture.
Nottingham Forest have their own injury concerns. Midfielder Danilo is ruled out with an ankle injury, and Ibrahim Sangare is unavailable due to a thigh complaint. However, Ryan Yates returns from suspension and is expected to bolster the midfield. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Murillo, who missed the previous match, are anticipated to be fit for selection.
Tactical Battle
Wolves, likely to adopt a 4-4-1-1 formation, will aim to leverage their home advantage and recent positive performances under Pereira. The absence of Cunha means Goncalo Guedes may step into the attacking role, with Jorgen Strand Larsen leading the line. Defensively, the focus will be on maintaining solidity and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities.
Nottingham Forest are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing a compact defence and swift transitions. Chris Wood, leading the attack, has been instrumental in their recent successes and has scored 11 times in the league this season. The creativity of Morgan Gibbs-White and the pace of wingers like Anthony Elanga and Hudson-Odoi will be crucial in breaking down the Wolves’ defence.
Prediction
Given Nottingham Forest’s exceptional form and Wolves’ recent resurgence, this fixture promises to be a tightly contested affair. While Forest have the momentum, Wolves’ determination to distance themselves from the relegation zone cannot be underestimated. Considering the historical tendency for draws between these sides, a stalemate seems a plausible outcome. With that in mind, backing this bet builder might be the best play.
Tip: Both Teams to Score, Over 10.5 Corners & Over 3.5 Cards in the game at a boosted price of 4/1.