As the Premier League race for European spots intensifies, Fulham and Nottingham Forest lock horns at Craven Cottage in what promises to be an intriguing showdown. The Cottagers will be aiming to complete their second league double over the Tricky Trees in three seasons, having secured a narrow 1-0 win at the City Ground earlier in the campaign. Meanwhile, Forest are looking to solidify their top-four status and extend their impressive run of form.
Fulham’s Recent Form & European Ambitions
Fulham have had an encouraging February, registering back-to-back 2-1 away victories against Newcastle United in the Premier League and Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup. Their triumph over Wigan has set up a high-stakes fifth-round tie against Manchester United on March 1.
Despite sitting ninth in the league table, Marco Silva’s men are just four points off the top seven and seven points adrift of the Champions League spots. However, their home form remains a concern, with only one win in their last seven league fixtures at Craven Cottage. Frustrating draws against relegation battlers Southampton (0-0) and Ipswich Town (2-2) have hindered their European push.
Nevertheless, Fulham will draw confidence from their strong recent record against Nottingham Forest, winning four of their last five encounters, including their last two home fixtures by an aggregate score of 7-0.
Nottingham Forest’s Surge Towards a Top-Four Finish
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side has been one of the league’s most in-form teams over the past two months, winning eight of their last ten league matches. Their emphatic 7-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion was followed by a hard-fought FA Cup progression via penalties against Exeter City.
With a six-point cushion over Manchester City and Newcastle United in the race for the top four, Forest have built their success on a rock-solid defense, conceding just 27 goals this season. They also share the joint-most clean sheets (10) with Liverpool. However, their defensive solidity will be tested by a Fulham side that has scored in 13 of their last 14 meetings.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Fulham Team News
Fulham will be without Reiss Nelson (thigh), Kenny Tete (knee), and Harry Wilson (fractured foot). Raul Jimenez, their top scorer with 11 goals in all competitions, will push for a starting role after Rodrigo Muniz’s brace against Wigan. Willian, who rejoined the club recently, could feature, while Adama Traore and Alex Iwobi are expected to start on the wings.
Predicted XI: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Carlos Miguel (hamstring) is ruled out, while Taiwo Awoniyi (concussion/broken nose) remains doubtful. Callum Hudson-Odoi is back in training, and Murillo hopes to recover from a dead leg in time.
Chris Wood, who netted a hat-trick against Brighton, will lead the line, supported by Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga.
Predicted XI: Sels; Morato, Milenkovic, Murillo; Aina, Anderson, Danilo, Williams; Gibbs-White, Elanga; Wood.
Match Prediction
Fulham’s home struggles and Nottingham Forest’s strong away form make this a tough contest to call. While Fulham’s dominance over Forest in previous meetings is a factor, the attacking prowess of Chris Wood, Gibbs-White, and Elanga could see the visitors leave with a valuable point.
Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Nottingham Forest
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