Nottingham Forest vs Southampton: Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Key Highlights:

• Nottingham Forest host bottom-of-the-table Southampton at The City Ground.
• Forest are unbeaten since early December, sitting comfortably in the top four.
• Southampton have managed just one win all season, languishing at the bottom of the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest Aim to Extend Unbeaten Run

Nottingham Forest, the surprise package of this Premier League season, continue their remarkable campaign as they welcome struggling Southampton to The City Ground on Sunday afternoon.

Under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest have emerged as genuine top-four contenders, unbeaten since an early December loss to Manchester City. Their form includes a hard-fought 1-1 draw against league leaders Liverpool in midweek.

In stark contrast, Southampton’s season has been nothing short of disastrous. Ivan Juric’s side sit at the foot of the table, ten points adrift of safety. The Saints have scored the fewest goals in the league and suffered 17 defeats in 21 matches. With time running out, their hopes of survival are fading fast.

Match Details

• Location: Nottingham, England
• Stadium: The City Ground
• Date: Sunday, 19 January
• Kick-off Time: 14:00 GMT / 09:00 ET / 06:00 PT
• Referee: Anthony Taylor
• VAR: Graham Scott

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Last Meeting: Southampton 0-1 Nottingham Forest (24 August 2024) – Premier League

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch

Team News

Nottingham Forest

Forest’s impressive season has been built on maintaining a fit and consistent squad. Ibrahim Sangare is the only confirmed absentee due to injury. Danilo has recovered from a broken ankle and made his return during the FA Cup win over Luton Town last weekend.

Given the five-day gap since their last game, Nuno Espirito Santo is expected to field a largely unchanged XI, with Chris Wood leading the line after scoring his 13th Premier League goal of the season against Liverpool.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Yates, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.

Southampton

Southampton’s woes have been compounded by injuries. Young talent Tyler Dibling is a doubt after being forced off against Manchester United due to an ankle issue. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is nearing a return but will likely remain on the bench as Aaron Ramsdale retains his spot.

Long-term absentees Juan Larios and Ross Stewart remain unavailable, while Jack Stephens is ruled out due to a training injury.

Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):
Ramsdale; Wood, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis; Sugawara, Downes, Aribo, Walker-Peters; Fernandes, Sulemana; Armstrong.

Score Prediction

Nottingham Forest’s defensive solidity and attacking efficiency make them clear favorites against a Southampton side that has struggled for goals and points all season. Forest’s dominance at home and Southampton’s frailties suggest a straightforward victory for the hosts.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Southampton