Nottingham Forest vs Brentford: Preview, prediction, team news and lineups

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·30. April 2025

Nottingham Forest vs Brentford: Preview, prediction, team news and lineups

Brentford had been unbeaten in six meetings with Nottingham Forest, prior to a 2-0 defeat in West London in December; the Bees have won only one of their last five visits to the City Ground.

After suffering FA Cup disappointment over the weekend, can Nottingham Forest reignite their Champions League charge? On Sunday, the Garibaldi Reds missed out on a first FA Cup Final for 34 years, beaten 2-0 by Manchester City, falling behind inside 100 seconds, before thwacking the woodwork no fewer than three times during the second half. So, ultimately, a day of massive disappointment for Nuno Espírito Santo's side, but they still have so much to play for in the league.

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Nottingham Forest vs Brentford preview

Last time out, ten nights ago, early goals from Elliot Anderson and then Chris Wood were enough to see the Garibaldi Reds claim a vital victory 2-1 at Tottenham. Before this, Forest had endured back-to-back defeats, but they remain sixth, and a win here in, what is, their game in hand, would see them climb up to third, leapfrogging Newcastle, Man City and Chelsea. After this, Forest's remaining fixtures are Crystal Palace (A), Leicester (H), West Ham (A) and then Chelsea (H), which could be decisive, proving that every point counts, making a victory here of paramount importance.

As for Brentford, this will be their first fixture for 12 days, requiring a victory on the banks of the River Trent to keep their slim European hopes alive. Last time out, the Gtech played host to a trademark goal-fest, with the Bees beating Brighton 4-2; Bryan Mbeumo bagged a brace, Yoane Wissa was also on target and then Christian Nørgaard's late header rubber stamped the points. Before this though, Thomas Frank's team had won only one of their previous six, so remain 11th, five points adrift the final potential European spot. Thus, Forest certainly kick off as favourites at the City Ground on Thursday.

Nottingham Forest vs Brentford head-to-head record

Matches Played: 40.

Nottingham Forest Wins: 14. Draws: 11. Brentford Wins: 15.

Nottingham Forest team news

Neco Williams and club captain Ryan Yates can both return, having both been suspended on Sunday. With Ola Aina injured, Williams' return in particular will be good news for Nuno Espírito Santo, who is short of full-back options, hence why 18-year-old Zach Abbott started at Wembley.

Elsewhere, Anthony Elanga will return to the forward line, after Nuno picked a rather more conservative team against Manchester City, with Nicolás Domínguez likely to drop out.

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Brentford: (4-2-3-1): Sels; Williams, Milenković, Murillo, Toffolo; Anderson, Danilo, Elanga, Gibbs-White, Elanga; Wood.

Nottingham Forest player to watch vs Brentford

Chris Wood took his tally to 19 Premier League goals for the season at Spurs on Easter Monday, although he's only ever scored twice in 11 meetings with Brentford.

Brentford team news

After almost a fortnight without a fixture, Thomas Frank's team are likely to be refreshed and raring to go. Aaron Hickey, Fábio Carvalho and Igor Thiago remain sidelined, but Rico Henry did come off the bench against Brighton, now hoping to start a game for the first time in 593 days due to a knee injury.

Meantime, Gustavo Nunes has come on for a late cameo during the last two fixtures, his first appearances for the Bees since arriving last summer due to a back issue. In terms of which might start, Frank isn't forecast to make too many changes, especially considering Vitaly Janelt will miss the rest of the season following surgery, so Yehor Yarmolyuk will keep his place in midfield.

Brentford player to watch vs Nottingham Forest

Bryan Mbeumo's brace against Brighton means he has now scored 18 times this season, so can the Cameroonian international add to his solitary career goal against Forest?

Nottingham Forest vs Brentford prediction

We are backing Nottingham Forest to claim a priceless three points on Thursday, likely to make home advantage count against an inconsistent Brentford team: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Brentford.