Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace

Verdict: Nottingham Forest draw no bet

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Marking their respective returns from October’s international break, Nottingham Forest will welcome Crystal Palace to the City Ground on Monday night.

Nottingham Forest

Starting with the hosts, while Nottingham Forest might have spent large spells of last season looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have made a string of improvements this time around. Heading into October’s international break with a gritty performance as they snatched a 1-1 stalemate away at Chelsea, the former Wolves boss has seen his squad lose just one of their first seven Premier League appearances. Springing what was a famous upset away at Liverpool on September 14th as they secured a sensational 1-0 victory at Anfield, Forest could be smelling another opportunity here. With their sights set on mounting a genuine top-half charge this season, Santo’s men should be excited by a stellar record against Monday’s guests. In fact, the Reds are unbeaten in all of their previous eight consecutive showdowns against Crystal Palace across all competitions.

Team News

Shown a second-half red card away at Chelsea prior to October’s international break, Nottingham Forest will be unable to call upon West Ham loanee James Ward-Prowse this weekend. Likewise, sustaining a recent knock, Santo’s side are sweating over the fitness of number one goalkeeper Matz Sels on Monday night.

Already registering four Premier League goals so far this season, New Zealand international Chris Wood will play a leading role in the final third. Former Bologna star Nicolas Dominguez should be handed a full recall and start in the middle of the park.

Crystal Palace

As for the visitors, while Crystal Palace might have signed off last season in the midst of a remarkable flurry, the Eagles have come crashing back down to earth this time around. Heading into October’s international break with a 1-0 loss at home against Liverpool, there has been recent speculation that Oliver Glasner finds mounting pressure on his shoulders in south London. Signing off September with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Everton, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss finds his squad scrapping it out at the foot of the table. In fact, getting proceedings underway on August 18th with a 2-1 loss against Brentford, Monday’s guests have failed to register a single victory from any of their first seven Premier League appearances. Likewise, registering just a single strike against top-flight opposition in over 270 minutes of action, Crystal Palace should be bracing themselves for another tricky challenge when they travel to the City Ground.

Team News

Both seen training with Palace over the international break, the duo of Daniel Munoz and England international Adam Wharton should feature here. Likewise, in what could prove to be a timely boost for the Eagles, Glasner’s side remain hopeful that Cheikh Doucoure should return to Palace’s squad here.

While Eddie Nketiah might still be waiting to open his Premier League account after arriving from Arsenal last month, the 25-year-old should keep his spot leading the line. Featuring for England last weekend, ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson will start between the sticks.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace last met back on March 30th, Monday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate at the City Ground.
• Forest are unbeaten in all of their previous eight meetings against the Eagles across all competitions.
• Monday’s hosts have suffered just a single defeat from any of their first seven Premier League appearances.
• Crystal Palace have failed to register a single win from any of their first seven Premier League showdowns.
• New Zealand international Chris Wood has already recorded four Premier League strikes.

Conclusion

Suffering just a single defeat from any of their first seven Premier League appearances this season, Nottingham Forest should be smelling a potential opportunity here. With Crystal Palace still waiting to put a maiden top-flight victory since opening the new campaign, the Eagles also hold a downbeat record against Monday’s hosts. Without a win from any of their previous eight straight showdowns against the one-time European champions, we are backing a home draw no bet at the City Ground.

Verdict: Nottingham Forest draw no bet

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Dachbet