Match Overview

The second-round Premier League fixture between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest is scheduled for August 24 at Selhurst Park in London. This preview provides an in-depth look, including predictions, odds, and key statistics for the Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest encounter.

Crystal Palace Analysis

Oliver Glasner’s squad commenced their new Premier League campaign with a 0-0 away draw against Chelsea. This result, following their penalty shootout victory in the Super Cup final against the reigning English champions, Liverpool, means the London club remains undefeated against top-tier opponents. Crystal Palace’s unbeaten run in the Premier League now stretches to 7 matches (2 wins and 5 draws).

Key Statistics for Crystal Palace

• The Eagles have avoided defeat in 12 of their last 14 Premier League fixtures (6 wins and 6 draws).
• At home, Crystal Palace boasts a 6-match unbeaten streak in the league (4 wins and 2 draws).
• Both teams have scored in 11 of their last 13 home Premier League matches.  

Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup (5-3-2)*

Dean Henderson – Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Tyrick Mitchell, Daniel Muñoz, Marc Guéhi – Will Hughes, Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze – Ismaila Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta. 

Crystal Palace Injury Report

Defenders Shadi Riad, midfielder Cheik Doucouré, and forward Eddie Nketiah are set to miss the match due to injuries. The participation of midfielders Matheus França and Daichi Kamada remains questionable.

Nottingham Forest Analysis

Nottingham Forest’s fortunes turned once Chris Wood rediscovered his scoring touch, marking the start of their new championship campaign with a victory. The New Zealand forward netted a brace as the team secured a 3-1 home win against Brentford, with all three goals coming in the first 45 minutes. Prior to this, Forest had gone 4 consecutive home Premier League matches without a win. This victory also marks the first time since their promotion in 2022 that the club has won their opening match of the season.

Nottingham Forest Team News

The team has also completed the acquisition of midfielder Douglas Luiz.

Key Statistics for Nottingham Forest

• Nottingham Forest is unbeaten in their last 3 away league matches (2 wins and 1 draw).
• Both teams have scored in Forest’s last 7 away Premier League fixtures.
• At least 3 goals have been scored in 8 of the club’s last 9 away Premier League games. 

Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)*  

Matz Sels – Ola Aina, Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Neco Williams – Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Ibrahim Sangaré – Jota Silva, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chris Wood. 

Nottingham Forest Injury Report

Midfielder Nicolas Dominguez is sidelined due to injury.   

Referee Profile

Anthony Taylor (England)

Referee Statistics

Matches Officiated

Matches – 32 (Premier League, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow Cards Overview

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 95;

Average Yellow Cards

Average yellow cards per match – 3;

Red Cards Overview

Red cards shown – 6;

Average Fouls

Average fouls per match – 21;

Penalties Awarded

Penalties awarded – 22%.    

Match Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest

Since their promotion to the Premier League, Nottingham Forest has faced this opponent six times in the league. They have secured two 1-0 victories (both at home), with the remaining four encounters ending in draws (0-0 or 1-1). Historically, matches between these two sides tend to be low-scoring and intense, often decided by a single goal.

Defensive Strengths & Expected Outcome

Crystal Palace has consistently emphasized defensive solidity for several seasons, a strategy that has noticeably improved under Oliver Glasner. In their last six home Premier League matches, the Eagles conceded more than one goal only once. Last season, Nottingham Forest climbed into the top four largely due to their robust defense, notably allowing more than one goal in only one of their first nine Premier League rounds. Considering these defensive trends, I anticipate a maximum of two goals scored in this upcoming encounter.

My Betting Tip

My prediction is “Total Goals Under 2.5”.

Note on Lineups

* The starting lineup listed for each team is from their previous match in this tournament.