Brentford vs Nottingham Forest tips and predictions: Nuno's troops on edge of ending 25-year hat-trick drought

I know what you’re thinking… this is a bit of a damp squib for the big Saturday night slot. Two teams sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table – is this really the best we could get?

A closer look at this encounter might change your mind. For one, this match could mark the return of striker Ivan Toney, who is once again available following his eight-month suspension.

The striker has been scoring goals for fun in the reserves side, but how will he deal with the rigour of Premier League football after such a long layoff?

Let’s not forget, the 27-year-old has been Brentford’s top scorer across the last three seasons.

Rather amusingly, Toney still has a chance to continue that run, considering the current top scorer at the club this season is Bryan Mbeumo with seven goals to his name.

Brentford, who have lost seven of their last eight league games, are desperate for a bit of inspiration and Toney could certainly offer fresh hope.

Getting one over Nottingham Forest certainly won’t be easy. Nuno Espirito Santo kicked off his new managerial tenure with a 3-2 defeat against Bournemouth but has since gone on a four-match unbeaten run across all competitions.

Two of those matches came in the Premier League, with Forest picking up spectacular victories over Newcastle and Manchester United.

Nottingham are now looking to win three straight top-flight games for the first time since May 1999 – almost 25 years.

We’re backing the visitors to end two-and-a-half decades of hurt. Forest to win the match in the outright market offers decent odds. As does an away win and both teams to score.

Toney and Chris Wood both to get on the scoresheet is a bit ambitious, though with the Englishman looking to make an impact and the Forest man in stellar form, it would be foolish to rule out this double.

 

Team news

Both teams are missing players due to international football. Brentford, for instance, will be without Saman Ghoddos, Frank Onyeka and Yoane Wissa.

Forest, meanwhile, are missing Ola Aina, Serge Aurier, Willy Boly, Cheikhou Kouyate, Moussa Niakhate and Ibrahim Sangare.

Aside from that, both sides are also contending with injuries. The Bees are without Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade.

Forest, meanwhile, are without Taiwo Awoniyi and Felipe.

 

Key stats

- Brentford have lost seven of their last eight Premier League games

- Nottingham Forest are looking to win three straight top flights games for the first time since May 1999

- Brentford are in the midst of their worst losing run since March 1993

 

Suggested bets

Nottingham Forest to win

Forest to win and BTTS

Ivan Toney and Chris Wood to score anytime