Fulham vs Nottingham Forest Prediction - Premier League

The crucial battle in the bottom half of the table.

The match at Craven Cottage between Fulham and Nottingham Forest at 3:00 AM on December 23, 2025, is expected to be a tense affair, with significant implications for both teams in the race to avoid relegation. Currently, Fulham are 15th with 20 points, while Nottingham Forest are 17th with 18 points. A win could help either team create a safer distance from the danger zone.

Performance analysis

In terms of recent form, the two teams appear quite similar. In their last five Premier League matches, Fulham have won three and lost two. The Craven Cottage side have shown considerable effectiveness at home this season, winning four of their six home games.

On the visitors' side, Nottingham Forest also have 3 wins and 2 losses in their last 5 league matches. However, their away record is not very promising, with only 2 wins in 8 away games since the start of the season. Forest's attack is also struggling, averaging only 1.1 goals per game.

The head-to-head history favors Fulham.

Recent head-to-head history strongly favors the home team. In the last five encounters, Fulham have won four times and lost only once against Nottingham Forest. Notably, in their most recent meeting in December 2023, Fulham secured a resounding 5-0 victory at Craven Cottage. This factor will undoubtedly give manager Marco Silva's team a significant boost in confidence.

Losses on both sides

Both teams are facing significant personnel difficulties ahead of this crucial match.

Fulham

The home team will be without several key players:

• C. Bassey: On international duty
• S. Chukwueze: On international duty
• A. Iwobi: On international duty
• Rodrigo Muniz: Absent due to hamstring injury.
• R. Sessegnon: Absent due to muscle injury.

Nottingham Forest

The visiting team is in a similar situation with a rather long list of absentees:

• O. Aina: Absent due to hamstring injury.
• W. Boly: On international duty
• I. Sangare: Performing international duties
• C. Wood: Absent due to knee injury
• R. Yates: Absent due to thigh injury.
• T. Awoniyi: Availability to play is uncertain due to muscle injury.

Predict the result

Based on their home advantage, consistent form at Craven Cottage, and superior head-to-head record, Fulham are considered the favorites in this encounter. However, the absence of key players could affect their attacking strength. With Nottingham Forest also suffering from injuries and having a poor away record, a draw or a minimal victory for the home team is the most likely scenario.

Team lineup updated at 02:23 on December 23, 2025

Official lineup

Fulham

Diagram: 4-2-3-1

CoachMarco Silva

Starting lineup:

• 1. Bernd Leno (G)
• 2. Kenny Tete (D)
• 5. Joachim Andersen (D)
• 15. Jorge Cuenca (D)
• 33. Antonee Robinson (D)
• 20. Saša Lukić (M)
• 16. Sanderson Berge (Medium)
• 8. Harry Wilson (M)
• 32. Emile Smith Rowe (M)
• 22. Kevin (M)
• 7. Raúl Jiménez (F)

Substitutes:

• 23. Benjamin Lecomte
• 21. Timothy Castagne
• 31. Issa Diop
• 6. Harrison Reed
• 10. Tom Cairney
• 24. Joshua King
• 38. Seth Ridgeon
• 11. Adama Traoré
• 18. Jonah Kusi-Asare

Nottingham Forest

Diagram: 4-2-3-1

CoachSean Dyche

Starting lineup:

• 13. John Victor (G)
• 37. Nicolò Savona (D)
• 31. Nikola Milenković (D)
• 5. Murillo (D)
• 3. Neco Williams (D)
• 8. Elliot Anderson (M)
• 12. Douglas Luiz (M)
• 21. Omari Hutchinson (M)
• 10. Morgan Gibbs-White (M)
• 7. Callum Hudson-Odoi (M)
• 19. Igor Jesus (F)

Substitutes:

• 26. Matz Sels
• 35. Oleksandr Zinchenko
• 44. Zach Abbott
• 4. Morato
• 16. Nicolás Domínguez
• 24. James McAtee
• 29. Dilane Bakwa
• 9. Taiwo Awoniyi
• 15. Arnaud Kalimuendo