Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest: Preview & Predictions

Fixture: AFC Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest

Competition: Premier League, Matchweek 23

Date: Saturday, 25th January 2025

Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

Venue: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth are riding high after an emphatic win over Newcastle and will be eager to extend their unbeaten run to 11 games. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, continue their remarkable campaign, aiming to keep pace with the league leaders.

Form: WDWDD

• 18 Jan: 4-1 win vs Newcastle United (A)
• 14 Jan: 2-2 draw vs Chelsea (A)
• 4 Jan: 1-0 win vs Everton (H)
• 29 Dec: 2-2 draw vs Fulham (A)
• 26 Dec: 0-0 draw vs Crystal Palace (H)

Bournemouth are in scintillating form, showcasing resilience and a knack for late-game drama. Despite injury concerns, Andoni Iraola’s side remains well-drilled and efficient.

Form: WDWWW

• 19 Jan: 3-2 win vs Southampton (H)
• 14 Jan: 1-1 draw vs Liverpool (H)
• 6 Jan: 3-0 win vs Wolves (A)
• 29 Dec: 2-0 win vs Everton (A)
• 26 Dec: 1-0 win vs Spurs (H)

Forest’s strong run has propelled them into third place. With Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White in fine form, they look set to challenge for Champions League qualification.

• Enes Unal: Knee injury, unavailable.
• Alex Scott: Knee injury, unavailable.
• Marcos Senesi: Thigh injury, sidelined.
• Luis Sinisterra: Hamstring injury, doubtful.
• Evanilson: Foot injury, ruled out.
• Marcus Tavernier: Hamstring injury, unavailable.
• James Hill: Match fitness to be assessed.
• Adam Smith: Muscle injury, doubtful. 
• Julian Araujo: Hamstring injury, doubtful. 
• Julian Soler: On international duty.
  

• No significant injuries reported, with a full-strength squad expected.
  

• Goalkeeper: Kepa 
• Defenders: Lewis Cook, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi, Den Huijsen
• Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Ryan Christie
• Attacking Midfielders: Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert, David Brooks
• Forward: Dango Ouattara
  

• Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
• Defenders: Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Neco Williams, Ola Aina
• Midfielders: Nicolás Domínguez, Elliot Anderson
• Attacking Midfielders: Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi
• Forward: Chris Wood
  

Strengths:

• Quick transitions and effective counter-attacks led by Kluivert and Ouattara.
• Defensive solidity with Illia Zabarnyi excelling at the back.

Weaknesses:

• Vulnerability to high pressing.
• Lack of depth due to key injuries.
  

Strengths:

• Strong midfield control with Gibbs-White orchestrating attacks.
• Aerial dominance, with Chris Wood in fine form.

Weaknesses:

• Occasional lapses in defensive concentration.
  

• Justin Kluivert: The hat-trick hero against Newcastle will look to inspire once again.
• Dango Ouattara: Key in stretching defences with his pace and directness.
  

• Chris Wood: Forest’s talisman, pivotal in leading the line and scoring vital goals.
• Morgan Gibbs-White: The creative fulcrum of the team, capable of unlocking any defence.
  

This clash promises an intriguing battle between two in-form sides. Bournemouth’s home advantage and defensive organisation will be tested by Forest’s firepower.

Predicted Scoreline: Bournemouth 2-2 Nottingham Forest

1. Result: Draw – Both teams’ recent form points to a closely contested encounter.
2. Goals: Over 2.5 – Both sides possess attacking quality to deliver a high-scoring game.
3. First Scorer: Chris Wood – His aerial ability makes him a prime candidate to open the scoring.
   

Justin Kluivert’s hat-trick against Newcastle marked the first time a Bournemouth player achieved the feat in a Premier League away game since Callum Wilson in 2018.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.