Fulham vs Nottingham Forest tips and predictions: Cottagers to cash in against leaky Forest

Nick Krige
5 December 2023

Fulham and Nottingham Forest will both be looking to bounce back from one-goal defeats and put some distance between them and the bottom three when they clash on Wednesday evening (1930 GMT).

The Cottagers were desperately unlucky not to come away from Anfield with anything after pushing Liverpool all the way last weekend before Trent Alexander-Arnold stole a 4-3 win for the Reds late on.

The fact is that they played very well and should take a lot of confidence from that performance into the game against Forest.

Their 3-1 loss to Aston Villa aside, the recent defeats have all been narrow and against clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.

There is every reason to believe Fulham are good enough to earn a place higher up in the table, but to get there they have to start winning games like the home fixture against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

The visitors, on the other hand, despite being just two points behind Fulham when they meet, can probably consider themselves lucky not to be more involved with the relegation places considering how leaky their defence has been.

Even though it's true they looked a lot more solid in the 1-0 defeat to Everton last time out, it is still difficult to ignore the fact they have shipped three goals in three of their last five games.

It is a massive game for both clubs and one that they would have equally looked at as one they need to win if they are to achieve their goals this season.

If Fulham want to realise their potential and start making a play for the top half of the table the time is now, while Forest desperately needs all the points they can get to avoid an almost inevitable relegation scrap.

The hosts should be too good, all told, especially if they can strike early against a struggling backline. It won't take much to rattle Nottingham Forest but if they let the visitors get on top of them, they could be in for a harsh surprise.

Team news

There are no new injury concerns for Fulham but Adama Traore, Issa Diop and Rodrigo Muniz all remain out until at least the new year.

Some good news for the hosts is that Joao Palhinha will be available for selection again after serving a suspension.

Nottingham Forest will be without Willy Boly who injured his hip against Everton last time out with Felipe or Moussa Niakhate expected to step in.

Training ground knocks for Murillo, Chris Wood and Danilo also mean they are all listed as doubts but Steve Cooper could be willing to risk any one of them given the club's need for points.