Nottingham Forest vs. Bournemouth: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Games between these two sides were close and competitive last season and we suspect that will be the case again here. Bournemouth will desperately miss Dominic Solanke in the short-term so we suspect his absence will be felt here. Bournemouth were fancied to kick on this season but until they replace the 26-year-old there could be a cap on their ceiling.

Morgan Gibbs-White was the most creative player in this team, and by quite a distance, last season, creating a total of 8.4 expected assists. He feels a solid bet to add another assist to his account on the opening day of the campaign while Callum Hudson-Odoi, who began to find his feet in the Premier League last season, will be looking to build on his eight league goals for Forest. Forest 2-2 Bournemouth.

The Premier League returns this weekend with a host of appetising fixtures, one of which sees Nottingham Forest hosting Bournemouth.

• Date: 17/08/2024
• Kick-off time: 15:00
• Location: City Ground, Nottingham

Nottingham Forest’s return to the Premier League has been a turbulent affair. Despite their rich history, the club found itself in a precarious position, finishing just one place above the relegation zone in 17th, with 32 points. The season was far from smooth for the Tricky Trees, as they struggled to adapt to the demands of top-flight football after a lengthy absence.

One of the significant challenges for Forest last season was the off-field turmoil, particularly the sacking of Steve Cooper, a manager who had been highly regarded by the fanbase. Cooper, who had led Forest back to the Premier League, was dismissed midway through the campaign after a string of poor results and a four-point deduction for financial breaches. The club’s decision to part ways with Cooper was met with mixed reactions, as many fans felt that he had not been given a fair shot amidst the chaotic transfer policy that saw an influx of players each window.

The appointment of Nuno Espírito Santo as Cooper’s replacement was an attempt to steady the ship. Nuno, who had previously managed Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur, brought experience and a more pragmatic approach to the team. While his arrival did bring some stability, Forest’s performances were far from convincing. The team managed to scrape together just enough points to survive, but their lack of cohesion and identity was evident throughout the season.

This summer, Forest have taken a more measured approach in the transfer market, seemingly learning from the mistakes of the previous season. The club has focused on strengthening key areas rather than overhauling the squad entirely. Among the notable signings is goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, who arrives with a solid reputation from Brazil. Defensively, the addition of Nikola Milenkovic provides much-needed reinforcement, as the Serbian centre-back brings experience and physicality to a backline that was often exposed last season.

In midfield, Forest have bolstered their ranks with the acquisition of Marko Stamenic, a promising talent from New Zealand, and Elliot Anderson, a versatile player capable of operating in various roles across the midfield. The arrival of wingers Jota Silva and Eric da Silva Moreira adds pace and creativity to the flanks, providing Nuno with more options in attack.

However, despite these additions, there is still a lingering sense of unease surrounding Forest’s prospects for the upcoming season. Much of their success will hinge on the performances of key players like Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Taiwo Awoniyi. Hudson-Odoi, who joined the club last season, is yet to fully rediscover the form that made him one of England’s brightest prospects but is on his way to that, while Gibbs-White and Awoniyi showed flashes of brilliance last season but need to find consistency if Forest are to avoid another relegation scrap.

The challenge for Nuno Espírito Santo will be to mould this squad into a cohesive unit capable of competing in the Premier League. Forest’s fans will be hoping that the more cautious approach in the transfer market pays off, but there is a realisation that this season could be another tough one. The opening match against Bournemouth will be an early test of Forest’s credentials and could provide a glimpse of what lies ahead for the club.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, enter the new season with a mix of optimism and apprehension. The Cherries finished 12th last season, a respectable achievement given the expectations placed on them at the start of the campaign. The appointment of Andoni Iraola as manager was seen as a bold move, and after a difficult start, the Spanish coach managed to turn things around, leading Bournemouth to a strong second half of the season.

Iraola’s impact on the team was evident in their improved performances, particularly in their defensive organisation and ability to grind out results. However, the upcoming season presents a new set of challenges for Bournemouth, particularly with the departure of their top scorer, Dominic Solanke. Solanke’s move to Tottenham Hotspur for €64 million leaves a significant void in the team, and finding a suitable replacement will be crucial to Bournemouth’s chances of replicating last season’s success.

The club has been active in the transfer market, bringing in several new faces, but it remains to be seen how quickly they can adapt to the Premier League. Goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, a highly-rated prospect from New Zealand, has joined the ranks, adding depth to the squad. In defence, teenage centre-back Dean Huijsen arrives with a burgeoning reputation as one of the most promising young talents in Europe. While Huijsen’s potential is undeniable, expecting him to immediately fill the shoes of more experienced defenders may be asking too much.

Bournemouth have also made a statement in attack by signing Turkish striker Enes Ünal. Ünal, who has previously played in Spain and Turkey, brings a different dimension to Bournemouth’s forward line. His physical presence and ability to hold up play could be crucial, especially in the absence of Solanke. Additionally, the permanent signing of Luis Sinisterra from Leeds United is a coup for the club, as the Colombian winger impressed during his loan spell last season and adds flair and goalscoring ability to the attack.

Despite these signings, there is a sense that Bournemouth’s squad is still a work in progress. The departure of Solanke has left a significant gap, and while the club has brought in reinforcements, the lack of a proven Premier League goalscorer could be a concern. Much will depend on how quickly the new arrivals settle in and whether Iraola can extract the best from his squad.

Bournemouth’s ceiling for the upcoming season is difficult to gauge. On one hand, there is the potential for the team to build on last season’s strong finish and push for a top-half finish. On the other hand, the uncertainty surrounding their attack and the need for further reinforcements could mean a season of struggle. The remaining weeks of the transfer window will be crucial, and Bournemouth’s performance in the early weeks of the season could dictate the club’s approach to the market.

This game will not be televised live to U.K. audiences.

Nottingham Forest Team News:

Forest could hand a start to new signing Elliot Anderson, who will likely compete with Anthony Elanga for a place in the starting XI.

Contrary to the opening day of previous season, there should be a significant amount of continuity for the Tricky Trees in their XI for this one.

Predicted lineup: Sels; Williams, Murillo, Boly, Aina; Sangaré, Yates; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.

Bournemouth Team News:

The Cherries are coming into this game with a couple of doubts in the shape of goalkeeper Neto and centre-back Marcos Senesi, who both picked up minor injuries in preseason. The pair should be fine according to Andoni Iraola, but neither are certain to play.

Enes Ünal, Tyler Adams and David Brooks all remain out injured following surgery over the summer.

Predicted lineup: Neto; Smith, Senesi, Zabarnyi, Kerkez; Scott, Christie; Semenyo, Billing, Kluivert; Sinisterra.

Forest finished the 2023-24 Premier League campaign with a mixed run of results, registering two wins and three defeats. Nuno Santo's side recorded successive 2-0 losses at the hands of Everton and Manchester City before beating Sheffield United 3-1 away from home. Forest then lost 2-3 to Chelsea before beating Burnley 2-1 on the last day of the season.

Forest's preseason form has been decent, with the Tricky Trees managing three wins, two draws and one loss from six games. The wins came at the expense of Chesterfield (3-0), Millwall (2-1) and Olympiakos (4-3), while the draws came against Sunderland (1-1) and Villarreal (0-0), with the sole defeat occurring at the hands of Elche.

Bournemouth's final five league games of last season saw them take exactly the same number of points as Forest. Wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers (1-0) and Brighton & Hove Albion (3-0) preceded three straight defeats against Arsenal (3-0), Brentford (1-2) and Chelsea (2-1).

The Cherries have been decent in preseason, losing 2-1 to Chelsea before two consecutive 1-1 draws against Wrexham and Arsenal, before claiming wins against Rayo Vallecano (1-0) and Girona (3-2).

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