Premier League:  Cottagers Plan to Deal Forest a First Premier League Defeat

Nottingham Forest vs Fulham

It’s Premier League weekend once again, as Nottingham Forest will hope to keep their unbeaten run against a Fulham side looking to go two in a row after a triumphant result last time out.

Sitting eighth and ninth in the table, City Ground will set the stage on Saturday, with both clubs looking to move places above their fellow Premier League rivals.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were engaged in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Brighton in their last match, keeping their undefeated streak going, but paid for it with a hefty prize in the end as Morgan-Gibbs White was given the marching orders in the 83^rd minute of the match.

Meanwhile, fans at the Craven Cottage were finally treated to a joyous display after Fulham’s blistering 3-1 win over Newcastle United last weekend.

The victory snapped Fulham’s two straight 1-1 draws in the league.

 

Talking Points

Mixed emotions for Forest at the Amex

Nuno Espirito Santo and his Forest squad went into the Brighton match with hopes of delivering a second consecutive win following their huge result against Liverpool.

Back-to-back away victories over two tough teams would do Forest a world of good, giving them a boost in the early stages of the campaign.

And their wishes almost came to fruition after taking the lead in the 13^th minute courtesy of a Chris Wood penalty. But despite their lead, it was apparent that Brighton were the better side, and the Seagulls dominated the ball until they scored in quick succession just before half-time.

Jack Hinshelwood levelled after meeting Jan Paul van Hecke’s cross with a searing header, and Danny Welbeck made it two after a beautiful free kick that left Matz Sels rooted to his spot.

Brighton continued their barrage into the second half, but Forest made do with what little chances they had, finding an equaliser after Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa caught their markers napping, with the former assisting the latter for an easy tap-in finish in the 70^th minute.

But Forest’s elation was short-lived after Gibbs-White’s tackle on Joao Pedro—which the away fans thought was timed well after the referee gestured that he got ‘all ball.’ However, it was overturned, and off Gibbs-White goes.

And the drama doesn’t end there. Fabian Hurzeler and Nuno Espirito Santo were also given red cards as tensions increased after the said incident.

This means that Espirito Santo won’t be coaching at the City Ground come Saturday’s tilt against Fulham.

 

Fulham look to take another club’s 0

After two straight draws and a disappointing exit in the EFL Cup at the hands of a Championship side, Fulham were afforded a sigh of relief after beating Newcastle United at home.

The Cottagers went ahead after Adama Traore’s cross was beautifully controlled by Raul Jimenez, who then volleyed it cleanly past the keeper.

Emile Smith-Rowe made it 2-0 after Nick Pope didn’t do enough to stop his shot. The Magpies pulled back in the second half through Harvey Barnes, but their hopes of a late comeback were extinguished after Reiss Nelson sealed all three points for Fulham in added time.

The loss was Newcastle’s first in the league.

 

History

Every hardcore fan knows that fixtures between Fulham and Forest are a staple in the second tier of English football.

All in all, 136 games were contested between the two clubs, with Fulham leading the match-up with 45 wins to Forest’s 33, and a further 28 games ended in a draw.

Only four of their matches were held in the Premier League, with Fulham winning three in a row before Nottingham Forest secured a 3-1 win over the Cottagers last season.

 

Betting Tip

This match-up is touted as a close one, with the SBOTOP Premier League 2024 odds giving the home side a slight edge at 2.31, whilst Fulham are priced at 2.85 and a draw goes for 3.14.

Despite the advantage in their head-to-head battles, both clubs have been susceptible to draws so far in their recent Premier League 2024 results, with Forest having three whilst Fulham drew two straight prior to their win over Newcastle.

That’s why I think this match will end with nothing to split the two. If you think you’re lucky, correctly predicting a 0-0 score line is priced at 10.00, whilst a 1-1 result is at 6.00. And with both clubs having a combined six matches this season ending in the latter’s score (regardless of penalties in cup ties), then putting a tenner on the result may not sound too bad at all.

   

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.