Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace tips and predictions: Fine margins to determine City Ground clash

Forest went into the international break above the relegation zone and ended it in the bottom three following a Premier League points deduction.

The club were docked four points over financial breaches, leaving them in 18th place with just nine games to go until the end of the season.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will be hoping to bolster their survival ambitions this weekend as they take on a struggling Crystal Palace side.

The Eagles kicked off the Oliver Glasner era with a 3-0 victory over Burnley, though they followed that up with a defeat at Tottenham and a disappointing draw at home with Luton.

It’s almost seems like Crystal Palace fans discovered the light at the end of the tunnel following Roy Hodgson’s exit. Though with the new boss unable to bring in new players, that light turned out to be the headlights of an oncoming locomotive.

There’s not much that Glasner can do with the same equipment as his predecessor, meaning it may be some time before the Austrian can start putting his stamp on this team.

With that in mind, Nottingham Forest are in with a chance. If Santo can inspire a big performance on the back of the international break, there is a chance Forest could take advantage of this inconsistent Palace outfit.

We’re backing the hosts to win this crucial match with a one goal margin. A 2-1 result in the correct score market will certainly offer plenty of value.

Forest to score in both halves should also offer some enticing numbers.

 

Team news

Nottingham Forest will be without Ola Aina for Saturday’s match. Nuno Tavares, Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood are all doubts.

Crystal Palace, on the other hand, are missing Cheick Doucoure, Rob Holding and Marc Guehi. The likes of Jeffrey Schlupp, Michael Olise and Sam Johnstone are all doubts.

 

Key stats

-  Nottingham Forest are winless in five games across all competitions

-  Crystal Palace have lost one of their last four Premier League matches

-  The last two head-to-head meetings ended in draws

-  Crystal Palace have won just three of 14 away Premier League games this season

 

Suggested bets

Nottingham Forest to win by a single goal margin

Correct score – Forest 2-1 Palace

Nottingham Forest to score in both halves