3 big talking points for Nottingham Forest’s trip to Ipswich | OneFootball

In a battle between third from top and third from bottom, Nottingham Forest will visit Ipswich Town on Saturday for a 3 PM kickoff in the Premier League. The home side remains winless in the league this year, while Forest are flying high with hopes of securing a Champions League spot next season. Here are three key things to watch for.

1. Nottingham Forest’s top-four ambitions

Nuno Espírito Santo’s team currently sit third in the table, further proving their credentials with a 1-0 win over four-time defending Premier League champions Manchester City last week. They are now four points ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side, who are fifth in the standings.

A lack of injuries to key players has significantly benefited Nuno’s squad this season. Almost all of their players have maintained high standards throughout the campaign, contributing to Forest boasting the third-best defensive record in the league, behind only Liverpool and Arsenal.

Facing a team that is winless in 2025 and has only managed one home victory all season, Nottingham Forest will be confident of securing all three points. Their attacking quartet of Chris Wood, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Anthony Elanga will be eager to add to their goal and assist tallies at Portman Road on Saturday.

2. Nottingham Forest’s English stars look to prove a point to Thomas Tuchel

On Friday, England’s new manager Thomas Tuchel announced his first squad selection ahead of the upcoming international break. Notably, he did not include a single English player from Nottingham Forest.

Forest’s impressive season has been fueled in part by the standout performances of their English trio, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Their omission from the squad was a surprise, especially given their strong form.

The selection raised eyebrows as several less in-form players from bigger clubs were called up instead, once again highlighting the tendency to prioritize reputation over performance. However, against Ipswich, the Forest trio has an opportunity to show Tuchel why leaving them out was a mistake. With a World Cup approaching next year, their current form suggests they deserve a place in the England squad.

3. Ipswich Town’s search for a much-needed win

Ipswich Town has enjoyed a remarkable rise in recent years, securing back-to-back promotions under Kieran McKenna. However, their transition to the Premier League has been challenging, and they have struggled to meet expectations.

At home, the Tractor Boys have just one league win this season and are currently six points from safety. They remain winless in 2025, losing their last four matches. Their only victories this season have come in the FA Cup against Championship opposition.

On a positive note, Ipswich can take confidence from their recent FA Cup clash against Nottingham Forest. Just two weeks ago, they pushed Nuno’s side to penalties before a Jack Taylor miss ultimately proved costly. The return of Julio Enciso from injury should also provide a boost as they look to turn their form around.