Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest Prediction and Analysis (26 October 2025 – 14:00 GMT)

The Premier League continues with an intriguing mid-table battle as AFC Bournemouth host Nottingham Forest at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday, 26 October 2025, kicking off at 14:00 GMT. Both sides are eager to build momentum after inconsistent starts, and the result could shape the direction of their respective seasons.

Latest team news and possible line-ups

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is expected to retain his aggressive 4-2-3-1 setup, but the Cherries will monitor fitness concerns for Dominic Solanke and winger Justin Kluivert, who both sustained knocks in last week’s draw with Wolves. Midfielder Tyler Adams remains out, while left-back Lloyd Kelly is pushing for a return after illness.

For Nottingham Forest, boss Nuno Espírito Santo welcomes back captain Ryan Yates from suspension, bolstering midfield stability. However, full-back Ola Aina and striker Chris Wood remain doubtful, meaning Anthony Elanga could again operate in a central attacking role supported by Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Head-to-head and recent meetings

Bournemouth and Forest have shared a spirited rivalry since their Championship encounters, with the Cherries holding a narrow historical edge. In last season’s Premier League clashes, Bournemouth took four points out of six, including a 2–1 home victory. Forest’s last win at the Vitality dates back to 2015, making this a tough venue for the visitors.

Form guide and statistical overview

Bournemouth enter the fixture 13th in the table with three wins, three draws and four defeats, scoring 14 goals while conceding 16. Their home form has improved, unbeaten in their last four at the Vitality, averaging 1.8 goals per match. Solanke leads the scoring chart with six goals, while Philip Billing has contributed two assists from midfield.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, sit 15th with a record of two wins, five draws and three defeats. Despite defensive resilience, their attacking output has lagged, with only 10 goals scored. Away from home, they’ve struggled, earning just one victory from their last eight league trips. However, their expected goals (xG 12.3) suggest they’ve been unlucky in front of goal.

Tactical analysis – pressing duels and creative outlets

Iraola’s Bournemouth have embraced a vertical, high-pressing style that demands energy from wingers and full-backs alike. Their front four rotate fluidly, creating overloads between the lines. The key duel may involve Solanke against Forest’s centre-backs Willy Boly and Moussa Niakhaté, who can be vulnerable when drawn wide.

Forest prefer structured transitions, seeking to release Elanga and Hudson-Odoi on the counter. Their success depends on Gibbs-White finding space behind Bournemouth’s double pivot. Should he dictate tempo, Forest can exploit gaps left by Bournemouth’s adventurous full-backs.

Prediction and betting outlook

This encounter promises balance rather than domination. Bournemouth’s home advantage and more coherent attacking rhythm make them slight favourites, though Forest’s counter-attacking pace keeps them dangerous. Expect an open contest shaped by midfield control and set-piece execution.

Predicted score: Bournemouth 2 – 1 Nottingham Forest.

Recommended bets: Both Teams To Score (Yes), Over 2.5 Goals, and Bournemouth to Win at home.

Summary

Sunday’s clash at the Vitality Stadium could prove decisive for both managers’ autumn ambitions. Bournemouth’s fluidity and pressing structure give them an edge, yet Forest’s ability to frustrate stronger sides cannot be dismissed. Whichever team wins will carry valuable momentum into November — and perhaps a clearer sense of identity in a congested mid-table race.