Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Prediction: Key Stats and Tips

Nottingham Forest welcome Tottenham to the City Ground on 5 September 2026 in a Premier League clash that already feels important near the bottom end of the early table. Forest sit 15th with one point from two matches, while Tottenham are bottom in 20th after back-to-back defeats and no goals scored. For fans and bettors alike, this Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham prediction comes at a time when both sides are desperate to ignite their seasons.

Forest have shown more balance so far, drawing once and losing once, with two goals scored and three conceded. Tottenham, by contrast, have been alarmingly blunt in attack and porous at the back, conceding five without reply. Recent history between the clubs, especially at the City Ground, has strongly favoured Forest, adding extra intrigue to this Premier League betting angle.

With the match staged at the City Ground in Nottingham and refereed by C. Pawson, there is added narrative: Forest have beaten Spurs three times in their last four league meetings and will fancy their chances again. Tottenham, though, still carry significant individual quality and will be looking to overturn a poor head-to-head trend and an ugly start to the 2026 campaign.

Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Key Stats

• From the standings, Nottingham Forest are 15th with 1 point from 2 matches (2 goals for, 3 against), while Tottenham are 20th with 0 points and a -5 goal difference (0 goals for, 5 against).
• In the most recent meeting on 22 March 2026 in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest beat Tottenham 3-0 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
• Premier League 2026 statistics show Forest averaging 1.0 goals scored and 1.5 conceded per game across 2 matches, while Tottenham average 0.0 scored and 2.5 conceded.

Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham — Tale of the Tape

• Position: 15 vs 20
• Points: 1 vs 0
• Goals For: 2 vs 0
• Goals Against: 3 vs 5
• Clean Sheets: Nottingham Forest 0, Tottenham 0 (tournament statistics)

Early in the 2026 Premier League season, the table paints a clear picture. Nottingham Forest have at least found a way onto the scoresheet and taken a point, even if their defensive record is still a concern. A goal difference of -1 from two games suggests they have been competitive in both outings.

Tottenham, however, are rooted to the bottom with two straight losses, five goals conceded and none scored. Their average of 2.5 goals conceded per match is one of the worst early defensive records, and the lack of any attacking return raises questions about their cutting edge. With both sides yet to keep a clean sheet, this match could hinge on which defence can stabilise first.

Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Key Matchups

M. Gibbs-White vs J. Maddison

Morgan Gibbs-White has been Forest’s standout creative force in the opening rounds. In 2 appearances and 180 minutes, he has 1 goal and 1 assist, directly contributing to both of Forest’s league goals so far. His attacking profile is well-rounded: 4 shots (1 on target), 59 passes with 83% accuracy, and a key pass already on the board. He also brings work rate, with 2 tackles, 1 interception, and 10 duels won from 21 contested, plus 4 successful dribbles from 8 attempts.

James Maddison, listed as a key midfielder for Tottenham, will likely be the main creative counterpart, even though individual 2026 stats are not provided here. The tactical battle is clear: Gibbs-White operating between the lines for Forest in a 3-4-2-1 framework, trying to exploit spaces around Spurs’ double pivot, while Maddison must help Tottenham progress the ball and finally generate chances. If Gibbs-White maintains his current influence, Forest will have the upper hand in central creativity.

O. Aina vs Richarlison

Ola Aina has been one of Forest’s more aggressive and proactive players. Across 2 appearances and 160 minutes, he has picked up 2 yellow cards, underlining his combative style. He has contributed 58 passes, 4 key passes, 2 tackles, 1 interception, 4 successful dribbles from 7 attempts, and won 10 of 20 duels. His willingness to step into midfield and support attacks can both stretch opponents and leave space behind.

Richarlison, as a senior attacker for Tottenham, is likely to test that aggression on Forest’s right or left side depending on the setup. With Spurs yet to score, the duel between Aina’s front-foot defending and Richarlison’s movement and physicality could be decisive. If Aina mistimes challenges, his existing yellow card count suggests he is a candidate for further disciplinary trouble, which could hand Spurs dangerous set-piece opportunities.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

Recent head-to-head meetings between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham have been surprisingly tilted in Forest’s favour, especially over the last two seasons. Matches have tended to produce clear winners rather than cagey draws.

• 22 March 2026: Tottenham 0-3 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
• 14 December 2025: Nottingham Forest 3-0 Tottenham (Premier League)
• 21 April 2025: Tottenham 1-2 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
• 26 December 2024: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Tottenham (Premier League)
• 7 April 2024: Tottenham 3-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)

Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Prediction

Stats suggest Nottingham Forest come into this fixture in better shape, despite both sides’ modest starts. Forest have scored in one of their two matches and average 1.0 goal per game, while Tottenham are yet to find the net and concede 2.5 per match. The comparison model heavily favours Forest overall, with a strong edge in form and attack indices.

The prediction probabilities give Nottingham Forest a 50% chance of winning, a 50% chance of a draw, and effectively 0% for a Tottenham victory. That aligns with the head-to-head trend: Forest have won four of the last five league meetings, including three clean-sheet wins in a row (3-0, 3-0, 2-1, 1-0). At the City Ground, Forest have repeatedly found a way to control Spurs, and Tottenham’s current lack of goals makes a breakthrough feel unlikely.

Expect Forest to be compact in their 3-4-2-1 structure, with Gibbs-White pulling strings and wing-backs pushing high when possible. Tottenham will have more of the ball but may struggle to turn possession into clear chances. Given Spurs’ defensive frailties and Forest’s superior recent record, a narrow home win or a low-scoring draw looks the most plausible outcome.

Predicted Score: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Tottenham

Nottingham Forest Recent Form

Forest’s recent form in the Premier League is mixed but competitive. With one draw and one defeat from two matches, they have shown they can score away from home but still need to tighten up defensively. Their tournament statistics show no clean sheets and one match without scoring, yet they have been in every game and have avoided any heavy losses.

Tottenham Recent Form

Tottenham’s recent form is poor. Two straight losses, no goals scored and five conceded highlight issues at both ends of the pitch. They have failed to score in both matches and have not come close to a clean sheet. The early-season trend suggests a side low on confidence and still searching for a functioning attacking structure.

Nottingham Forest Possible Starting Lineup

GK: M. Sels; Defenders: O. Aina, N. Milenković, Morato, Murillo, L. Netz; Midfielders: N. Domínguez, I. Sangaré, X. Schlager, M. Gibbs-White, C. Hudson-Odoi; Forwards: C. Wood, A. Kalimuendo, L. Delap, D. Ndoye, Igor Jesus, O. Hutchinson.

Forest have consistently used a 3-4-2-1 shape in their early fixtures, and the squad composition supports that: multiple centre-backs (Milenković, Morato, Murillo), dynamic wing-backs (Aina, Netz, N. Williams) and a cluster of attacking midfielders and forwards. Gibbs-White is the clear creative hub, while options like Wood, Kalimuendo and Delap offer different profiles up front. With no injuries reported, Forest can select from a deep pool and tailor their front line to exploit Tottenham’s defensive weaknesses.

Tottenham Possible Starting Lineup

GK: M. Dúbravka; Defenders: Pedro Porro, M. van de Ven, J. van Hecke, D. Udogie; Midfielders: R. Bentancur, C. Gallagher, J. Maddison, X. Simons, M. Kudus; Forwards: Richarlison, D. Solanke, Omar Marmoush, Sávio.

Tottenham’s typical 4-2-3-1 structure is reflected in their squad: a strong set of centre-backs (van de Ven, Senesi, J. van Hecke), attack-minded full-backs (Pedro Porro, D. Udogie) and a technically gifted midfield group featuring Bentancur, Gallagher, Maddison, Simons and Kudus. Up front, Richarlison, Solanke, Marmoush and Sávio give them variety. The issue so far has been turning this talent into cohesive attacking play. Without injuries listed, the onus is on tactical tweaks and sharper finishing rather than personnel changes.

Nottingham Forest Team News

No significant absences reported.

Tottenham Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

Nottingham Forest:

• None reported.

Tottenham:

• None reported.

Betting Tips: Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham

Exactly 3 distinct tips from different markets:

• Result Tip: Back Nottingham Forest Draw No Bet or Double Chance (Forest or Draw). The prediction model gives Forest a 50% chance to win and 50% for the draw, with Tottenham effectively at 0%. Forest’s dominant recent head-to-head record and Spurs’ goal drought support a home-favoured angle. Match winner odds range roughly from 2.34 to 2.62 for Forest (implied probability about 38.2% to 42.7%) and 2.65 to 2.88 for Tottenham (about 34.7% to 37.7%), showing a very tight market; using a safety net like Draw No Bet on Forest looks sensible.
• Goals Tip: Under 2.5 goals. Forest average 1.0 goals scored and 1.5 conceded per match, while Tottenham average 0.0 scored and 2.5 conceded. Spurs have failed to score in both games, and Forest’s recent wins over Tottenham have often been controlled, low-to-medium scoring affairs at the City Ground (1-0, 3-0). With Tottenham struggling in attack, a cagey match with limited goals is a realistic scenario.
• Value Tip: Nottingham Forest to score at least one goal. Forest have scored in one of their two league games and have repeatedly found the net against Spurs in recent meetings (3, 3, 2, 1 in the last four wins). With Gibbs-White already on 1 goal and 1 assist this season and Forest creating chances, backing the hosts simply to get on the scoresheet offers a pragmatic angle, especially given Tottenham’s average of 2.5 goals conceded per match.

Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.