Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest: Premier League Showdown

Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, two of the Premier League’s most in-form teams, are set to clash at the Vitality Stadium this Saturday afternoon. With both sides enjoying strong starts to 2025, this promises to be an intriguing battle as Forest eye second place, depending on Arsenal’s result.

Match Details

• Location: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, England
• Date: Saturday, January 25
• Kick-off Time: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT
• Referee: Craig Pawson
• VAR: Andy Madley

Recent Form and Head-to-Head

Bournemouth have been unstoppable in recent weeks, coming off a resounding 4-1 win over Newcastle United. Their ten-match unbeaten streak has propelled them to seventh in the league, and they are now within touching distance of the top six.

Nottingham Forest, however, have been the season’s surprise package. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are top of the Premier League form table over the last five matches, boasting four wins and a draw. Forest’s resilience was on full display in their recent 3-2 victory over Southampton, and a win here could see them rise to second place.

Last five head-to-head results:

• Bournemouth: 2 wins
• Nottingham Forest: 0 wins
• Draws: 3
• Last meeting: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Bournemouth (17 August 2024)

Team News

Bournemouth

Despite their impressive form, Bournemouth’s squad is stretched thin due to injuries. They will be without ten first-team players, including their three senior right-backs—James Hill, Adam Smith, and Julian Araujo. Additionally, Marcos Senesi and January signing Julio Soler are unavailable, while Evanilson, Enes Unal, and Luis Sinisterra are out of the forward line.

Marcus Tavernier has returned to training but remains doubtful. These absences will test Andoni Iraola’s tactical flexibility as Bournemouth looks to maintain their high-energy approach.

Predicted Bournemouth Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Kepa; Cook, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Adams; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Ouattara.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have relatively fewer injury concerns. Ibrahim Sangare remains sidelined, while Callum Hudson-Odoi is doubtful after being substituted with a groin issue last weekend.

Chris Wood and Murillo, two standout performers this season, are expected to feature prominently as Forest aims to solidify their spot near the top of the table.

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

Match Prediction

The last encounter between these teams ended in a tightly contested 1-1 draw, and Saturday’s match could follow a similar pattern. Bournemouth’s injury woes may hinder their usual intensity, while Forest’s defensive organization and ability to capitalize on counterattacks make them tough to break down.

This could be another even contest where neither side risks too much, resulting in shared points.

Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Nottingham Forest

Engage With Us

What do you think will happen in this exciting clash on the south coast? Will Forest’s dream run continue, or can Bournemouth keep their unbeaten streak alive? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!