Match Preview

Nottingham Forest host Malmo FF at the City Ground in a UEFA Europa League 2025/26 league-phase clash on Thursday, 27 November 2025. It’s a huge night by the River Trent: Forest are enjoying a rare European adventure under the new league-phase format, while Swedish giants Malmo travel to England looking for a result that could revive their own campaign.

The revamped Europa League structure puts all 36 teams into a single league table, with each side playing eight different opponents (four home, four away). Only the top eight qualify directly for the round of 16, teams from 9th to 24th enter the knockout play-offs, and the remaining clubs are eliminated – so every point carries serious weight across the eight matchdays.

After four games, Nottingham Forest sit in the middle of the standings with a solid return of five points from their first fixtures. They have shown they can compete at this level, combining an energetic press with Premier League-hardened physicality and quality in wide areas. At the City Ground, they tend to be proactive: pushing full-backs on, pressing high when the opportunity arises and feeding off a loud home crowd.

Malmo FF, by contrast, are in a more precarious position towards the lower reaches of the league-phase table, with just a single point on the board and a negative goal difference from their opening four matches. They arrive knowing that defeat would leave them with a mountain to climb in the race for a top-24 spot. Malmo’s game is typically based on good structure, disciplined pressing and quick switches of play, but they will need to be far more efficient in both boxes than they have been so far in Europe this season.

Tactically, the pattern is easy to imagine: Forest looking to impose themselves from the outset, using their pace in transition and set-piece threat, while Malmo aim to stay compact, slow the tempo and look for counter-attacking moments or dangerous deliveries from wide areas. If Forest start fast and score early, the Swedish side may be forced to open up – which could lead to an increasingly open second half.

With qualification still very much in Forest’s hands and Malmo under pressure to get a result, this has all the ingredients of a high-intensity Europa League night in Nottingham.

Match Information

The City Ground has quickly embraced European nights again, and with Forest still fighting for a strong finish in the league phase, the atmosphere should be intense from the first whistle. Malmo must weather that early storm if they’re to take anything home to Sweden.

Nottingham Forest vs Malmo FF Odds (1X2)

Bookmakers see this as a match strongly tilted towards the home side. Premier League quality, home advantage and better early-phase results all combine to make Nottingham Forest clear favourites, with Malmo priced up as sizeable underdogs and the draw sitting in between.

Total-goals markets generally set the main line at Over/Under 2.5 goals, with a slight lean towards a game featuring at least three goals – reflecting expectations that Forest can create plenty at home while Malmo may need to gamble if they fall behind.

*Odds are indicative ranges based on major bookmakers at the time of writing and will move as kick-off approaches. Always check live prices with your chosen bookmaker before placing any bets.

Key Stats & Head-to-Head Snapshot

• League-phase standings: After four games, Forest sit in the mid-table region with 5 points (1 win, 2 draws, 1 loss, goal difference +1), while Malmo are down in the low 30s with just 1 point and a negative goal difference. Forest are in the mix for a knockout spot; Malmo are in must-win territory.
• Form & momentum: Forest’s Europa League campaign has been built on tight, competitive games, often decided by fine margins. Malmo, on the other hand, have struggled to turn possession and territory into goals, conceding too easily in key moments.
• European pedigree: Malmo have more historical experience in European competition, with multiple group-stage campaigns and qualification runs. Forest, however, arrive from the Premier League and have quickly adapted to the rhythm of midweek European fixtures in the league phase.
• Schedule pressure: For Malmo this is part of a tough run that still includes away trips to big European grounds later in the phase, increasing the urgency to get something in Nottingham. Forest know that three points here would significantly boost their chances of finishing inside the crucial top-24.
• Head-to-head: This is a fresh pairing in UEFA competition, adding an extra layer of intrigue with no recent direct history to lean on.

Nottingham Forest vs Malmo FF Betting Tips

1X2 Market

Given the price, form and context, the obvious selection is Nottingham Forest to win (1). They have been more competitive in the league phase and have the individual quality to break down Malmo’s back line, especially with the backing of a full City Ground.

For bettors who want a little more security, Forest – Draw No Bet offers a safer path: you still profit from a home win, but your stake is refunded if the match ends in a draw.

Goals Market (Over/Under)

With Forest expected to carry most of the attacking threat, lines around Over 2.0 or Over 2.5 goals are worth considering. If the hosts score early, the game can open up quickly – either via Forest pressing for a second or Malmo pushing more bodies forward and leaving space to exploit on the counter.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

Forest should create enough chances to get on the scoresheet, but whether Malmo score may depend on how much risk they are willing to take. BTTS – No is a reasonable play if you expect Forest to control the game defensively as well as offensively, while BTTS – Yes becomes more attractive if you see Malmo nicking one from a set piece or a quick break.

Handicap Options

Those confident that Forest’s superiority will show on the scoreboard may look towards small Asian handicaps such as Forest -1.0. That way, a one-goal win returns your stake, while victory by two or more goals lands the bet. On the other side, Malmo backers can consider Malmo +1.5 or +2.0 if they think the Swedish side can keep the scoreline tight even in defeat.

Remember that all betting involves risk. Manage your bankroll carefully, shop around for the best lines and never bet more than you can afford to lose. This preview is for information only and does not constitute financial advice.

Prediction

Correct Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2–0 Malmo FF

Taking into account the league-phase situation, home advantage, relative squad depth and current market view, our main call is a 2–0 win for Nottingham Forest. The Premier League side should generate enough clear chances across 90 minutes to score at least twice, and if they maintain defensive concentration, a clean sheet is well within reach.

Best basic angle: Nottingham Forest to win (1).
Goals angle: Forest to win & Over 1.5 total goals.
Long-shot angle: Correct score 2–0 to Nottingham Forest.

As always in European competition, keep an eye on late team news, rotations and any updates around injuries or fatigue from domestic fixtures – they can significantly affect how both managers approach the game.