Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs Southampton
Competition: Premier League, Matchweek 22
Date: Sunday, 19 January 2025
Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
Venue: The City Ground, Nottingham
Match Preview
Nottingham Forest welcome Southampton to the City Ground in a clash that could prove pivotal for both teams this season. Forest, in scintillating form, will aim to continue their push for the European places. At the same time, Southampton, battling at the bottom, desperately need a positive result to ignite their survival bid. Expect a high-energy encounter with plenty at stake.
Team Form and Overview
Nottingham Forest
Last 5 Matches
- D | H | 1-1 vs Liverpool
- W | A | 3-0 vs Wolves
- W | A | 2-0 vs Everton
- W | H | 1-0 vs Spurs
- W | A | 2-0 vs Brentford
Forest are flying high with an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions, including a draw against league leaders Liverpool. Their defensive organisation and clinical counter-attacks have made them a formidable force for all their recent opponents.
Southampton
Last 5 Matches
- L | A | 1-3 vs Man Utd
- L | H | 0-5 vs Brentford
- L | A | 1-2 vs Crystal Palace
- L | H | 0-1 vs West Ham
- D | A | 0-0 vs Fulham
Southampton’s struggles continue as they sit rock bottom of the Premier League table. They’ve failed to win in their last 11 top-flight matches and have shown defensive vulnerabilities of late, conceding 11 goals in their last six league games.
Key Injuries and Suspensions
Nottingham Forest
- Ibrahim Sangare: Hamstring injury, unavailable
Southampton
- Jack Stephens: Sidelined with a knock
- Ross Stewart: Muscle injury, unavailable.
- Gavin Bazunu: Lack of match fitness
- Tyler Dibling: Ankle injury, maybe unavailable
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
- Defenders: Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Neco Williams, Ola Aina
- Midfielders: Nicolás Domínguez, Eliott Anderson
- Attacking Midfielders: Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga
- Forward: Chris Wood
Southampton (5-4-1)
- Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
- Defenders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, James Bree, Yukinari Sugawara
- Midfielders: Lesley Ugochukwu, Joe Aribo
- Attacking Midfielders: Tyler Dibling (If fit), Mateus Fernandes
- Forwards: Kamaldeen Sulemana
Tactical Breakdown
Nottingham Forest
Strengths:
- A solid defensive structure led by Milenkovic and Sels.
- Explosive wide players like Hudson-Odoi and Elanga thrive on the counter.
- Gibbs-White’s creativity and leadership in attack.
Weaknesses:
- Reliance on Wood for goals could leave them exposed if he’s marked out of the game.
- Depth concerns in midfield with Sangare’s absence.
Southampton
Strengths:
- Pace in attacking areas, with Sulemana and Dibling capable of stretching defences.
- Ramsdale’s shot-stopping ability could be the key against Forest’s creative threats.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive lapses have cost them dearly in recent matches.
- Lack of a consistent goal scorer.
Star Players to Watch
Nottingham Forest
- Morgan Gibbs-White: The captain has been instrumental in Forest’s resurgence with his ability to unlock defences and deliver in key moments.
- Callum Hudson-Odoi: Brings flair and directness to Forest’s attacking play, a constant threat down the flanks.
- Matz Sels: The in-form goalkeeper has been pivotal, pulling off crucial saves to help maintain Forest’s recent momentum.
Southampton
- Aaron Ramsdale: Despite Southampton’s struggles, Ramsdale’s performances have often prevented further embarrassment.
- Kamaldeen Sulemana: A livewire in attack, Sulemana’s speed and trickery can trouble Forest’s backline.
- Lesley Ugochukwu: A midfield enforcer, Ugochukwu’s work rate will be vital in breaking up Forest’s rhythm
Match Prediction
Forest’s form and confidence, coupled with Southampton’s defensive frailties, make the hosts clear favourites. However, Southampton’s need for points in the relegation battle could make this a closer contest than expected.
Predicted Scoreline: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Southampton
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Fun Fact
This match marks the 50th anniversary of Brian Clough’s appointment as Nottingham Forest manager. During his tenure, Clough transformed Forest into European Cup winners and domestic giants, a legacy that remains unmatched in the club’s history. Forest will aim to honour the milestone with another commanding performance.
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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.
