Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest prediction, H2H and probable lineups – 24 August 2025

By Author On Aug 24, 2025

TL;DR – Quick Insights

On Sunday 24 August 2025 at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace will host Nottingham Forest in a thrilling Premier League clash. The historical head-to-head (H2H) favors Nottingham Forest, who have dominated previous meetings and maintain an unbeaten record against Palace in the Premier League. Lineups are expected to feature key players like Chris Wood for Forest and Eberechi Eze for Palace. Forecasts predict a tightly contested match likely to finish in a draw or slim Nottingham Forest win, with both teams capable of scoring but Palace stronger at home.

Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest: Premier League Showdown Overview

This eagerly awaited fixture kicks off at Selhurst Park on Sunday, 24 August 2025, at 4:00 PM local time. As a longtime fan and analyst of Premier League football, I find this clash deeply fascinating, given the contrasting fortunes and styles both teams bring.

Crystal Palace, traditionally resilient at home, face Nottingham Forest — a side that has haunted them historically, especially in recent top-flight encounters. With Forest sitting strong in the league table and Palace eager to bounce back after mixed results, this promises to be a match full of tactical battles and intense moments.

Head-to-Head Record: The Battle of the Eagles vs The Tricky Trees

Looking through the historical lens, Nottingham Forest have been the bogey side for Crystal Palace. Out of 69 total encounters across competitions, the scoreboard shows:

Nottingham Forest Wins: 30
Draws: 23
Crystal Palace Wins: 16

Notably, in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest have never lost to Crystal Palace after 10 meetings — emerging victorious four times and drawing six. Their current unbeaten streak in this fixture extends to eight matches, a testament to their consistency and strategic edge.

The last win for Palace against Forest at home dates back over two decades to December 2003, making Sunday’s fixture a rare opportunity to overturn a longstanding trend.

On scoring extremes, Forest have recorded some emphatic wins over Palace, including 6-1 and 5-0 victories in past decades, while Palace have never beaten Forest by more than three goals.

This historical context shapes much of the mental and strategic approach for both teams heading into the weekend clash.

Probable Lineups: Tactical Setups and Key Players to Watch

Crystal Palace Probable XI

Goalkeeper: Vicente Guaita – reliable veteran crucial for last-line defense.
Defenders: Joel Ward, Marc Guéhi, Joachim Andersen, Tyrick Mitchell – a cautious yet disciplined defensive lineup.
Midfield: James McArthur, Conor Gallagher, Eberechi Eze – the creative engines of Palace’s midfield.
Forwards: Jordan Ayew, Odsonne Édouard, Wilfried Zaha – versatile attackers with pace and skill.

Nottingham Forest Probable XI

Goalkeeper: Brice Samba – commanding presence, often decisive.
Defenders: Joe Worrall, Scott McKenna, Moussa Niakhate, Djed Spence – sturdy and quick to intercept.
Midfield: Morgan Gibbs-White, Jack Colback, James Garner – blending defensive steel and attacking support.
Forwards: Chris Wood, Brennan Johnson, Dan Ndoye – pacey and clinical goal scorers, with Wood a focal point.

The lineups will likely reflect each manager’s intentions: Palace’s Patrick Vieira emphasizes defensive resilience with opportunistic attacks, while Forest’s Oliver Glasner balances control and quick transitions.

Expert Match Prediction and Betting Insight

Considering form, head-to-head trends, and tactical setups:

The match is expected to be closely contested, with a lean toward Nottingham Forest to either draw or win narrowly.
The Asian Handicap +0.25 on Nottingham Forest at -120 odds represents good betting value since a draw would still avoid a loss in this bet.
The last match between these teams ended in a 1-1 draw, underscoring how tight these contests are.
Statistically, expect both teams to score, with Palace showing strong home scoring stats and Forest capable of efficient hitting on target.
Clean sheets may be hard to come by given Palace’s home advantage but Forest’s recent defensive forms are solid.

Given the intensity and strategic cautiousness, a 1-1 or 1-0 Forest victory seems most plausible. Fans should anticipate end-to-end moments balanced with disciplined defending.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who has the better historical record between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest?

Nottingham Forest have the superior head-to-head record with 30 wins versus Palace’s 16 in 69 total meetings. Notably, Forest remain unbeaten against Palace in the Premier League.

What time does the Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest game start?

The game kicks off at 4:00 PM local time on Sunday, 24 August 2025 at Selhurst Park.

Are there any standout players expected in this match?

Key players likely to influence the match include Eberechi Eze and Wilfried Zaha for Crystal Palace and Chris Wood and Brennan Johnson for Nottingham Forest.

Is the match expected to have many goals?

Historically, matches between these teams are tightly contested. Betting and statistical models suggest a moderate scoring game, possibly 1-1 or 1-0, with both teams likely to score.

Where can I buy tickets and get other match-day information?

Tickets can be purchased via Crystal Palace’s official site. Contact details for ticket inquiries are tickets@cpfc.co.uk or +44 20 8767 3535. Follow @CPFCofficial on social media for updates.