Nottingham Forest vs Southampton: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in their last eight domestic matches following the 1-1 draw at home against Liverpool. The hosts have won the previous three meetings against Southampton and have kept four clean sheets in their last six matches at the City Ground.

Following their late dramatic fall against Manchester United, Southampton are still winless away from home this season, with only two points gained from a possible 33 on their travels and they will likely continue that same trend in this game against Nottingham Forest - Nottingham Forest 2-0 Southampton

Nottingham Forest host Southampton in the Premier League looking to continue their sensational season towards the top of the table.

Date: 19/01/25

Kick-off time: 14:00

Venue: City Ground

Twenty-one games into the season, Nottingham Forest continue to defy expectations with their performances. The club currently sit in third place, just six points behind leaders Liverpool. They are unbeaten in seven league games, a run which includes six wins. Even if a title race seems too far-fetched, they are certainly in the mix for a top four finish. With 41 points, they are four clear of fifth place Chelsea. A 1-1 draw with Liverpool last time out proved their credentials as a top, competitive team.

It has been a hugely contrasting season for Southampton, who remain stranded at the bottom of the table with just six points. They are on pace to finish as the worst Premier League side in history, ending in an immediate return to the Championship. Any chances of survival are slipping by the week, as they have won just one game all season. Despite taking the lead at Old Trafford in their latest game, they left with nothing as they fell to a late defeat in what was a huge blow. They trail 17th place Wolves by 10 points.

Despite their high position, Forest are not amongst the top scorers in the league. Instead, it is their defensive form which has served them so well. Only Arsenal have conceded fewer than their 20 goals this season. The hosts have kept four clean sheets in their last five, and should be confident of recording another at home to a side who have scored the fewest goals in the division with 13.

Southampton also have a dreadful record at the back, conceding 47 goals. This is worse than all teams except Wolves. Chris Wood has enjoyed a fantastic campaign, leading the club with 13 goals. He has scored in three games in a row, and should be confident in making it a fourth. The Saints have allowed 10 goals in their last three league fixtures.

These two teams have met just three times in the last decade, all coming since 2023 in the Premier League. It is a fixture dominated by Nottingham Forest in recent years with three consecutive victories for the side. The reverse fixture earlier this season finished 1-0 in Forest’s favour at St Mary’s. Morgan Gibbs-White scored the winner. The corresponding game last year was a goal fest, with the hosts winning 4-3.

Nottingham Forest vs Southampton will not be available to watch on TV in the UK.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest should have a fully fit squad to choose from with the exception of Ibrahim Sangare, who remains out with a thigh injury. He is expected to return sometime next month.

Southampton

Southampton were boosted with the return of Flynn Downes last time out, but will be sweating on the fitness of Tyler Dibling who had to be replaced after suffering an ankle injury.

Nottingham Forest:

In their last five games, Nottingham Forest have won four and drawn one. It has been an excellent stretch for Forest as their impressive season continues. This run started with a 1-0 win at home to Tottenham. Despite Spurs dominating with 71% possession, Anthony Elanga scored the winning goal before the half hour mark.

Another victory followed as they won 2-0 on the road at Everton. Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White scored either side of half-time. Wolves were Forest’s next victims as the visitors won 3-0 at Molineux. Gibbs-White opened the scoring early, before Wood added a second on the stroke of half-time. Taiwo Awoniyi put the game to bed in stoppage time.

Attention shifted to FA Cup action as they hosted Luton Town in the third round. They avoided an upset with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Ryan Yates and Ramon Sosa. Their most recent game was a huge top of the table clash against leaders Liverpool. Forest were able to come away with a point, though squandered the lead which was given to them by Wood. Diogo Jota equalised in the second half.

Southampton:

In their last five games, Southampton have won one and lost four. It has been a tough stretch for the Saints as their fight for survival continues. A good display at Old Trafford resulted in zero points, as they squandered a lead to lose 3-1 late on to Manchester United. A Manuel Ugarte own goal gave them the lead at the break, but an Amad Diallo hat-trick in the closing stages turned the game around.

The only win of this stretch came in the FA Cup as they advanced to the fourth round. They did so with a 3-0 win over Championship side Swansea at home. Kamaldeen Sulemana and Tyler Dibling were the goalscorers. This followed a crushing 5-0 defeat at home to Brentford. The Bees were only one goal up at the break, but four goals in the second half completed the rout.

A trip to Crystal Palace ended in a 2-1 loss, despite taking the lead through Dibling. Goals from Trevoh Chalobah and Eberechi Eze turned it around. The first game of this stretch was a 1-0 home loss against West Ham. Jarrod Bowen netted the winner just before the hour mark.

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