Match Preview
Premier League football heads to the City Ground as Nottingham Forest welcome Crystal Palace in a fixture that often feels like a battle for control, territory, and momentum. With the season moving into a decisive phase, points here carry extra weight especially for teams looking to build separation from the danger zone or push toward a safer mid-table position.
Nottingham Forest at home typically look to make the match physical and competitive. Expect strong duels, a focus on winning second balls, and direct moments when space opens in wide areas. When Forest play with intensity at the City Ground, they can force opponents into rushed decisions and turn the game into a series of high-pressure moments.
Crystal Palace tend to be comfortable in matches where game management matters. They often try to stay compact without the ball, protect central spaces, and then break with pace when transitions appear. If Palace can avoid cheap turnovers and pick the right moments to attack, they can create chances—even in away games where they don’t dominate possession.
The key theme here is timing. If Forest start fast and grab an early goal, the atmosphere lifts and Palace are forced into riskier choices. If Palace keep it level deep into the second half, pressure can swing back to the home side, and the match becomes tense where one set piece or one mistake decides everything.
TV Broadcast and Livestreams
Broadcast coverage depends on your country. Check your local Premier League rights holder for the confirmed TV channel and official streaming options for Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace.
Match Information
| Date | Sunday, 1 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Kick-off Time | 2:00 PM UK Time (GMT) / 7:30 PM Sri Lanka Time |
| Venue | The City Ground, Nottingham |
| Competition | English Premier League 2025/26 |
Odds (1X2)
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| 1 Nottingham Forest | ~2.65 |
| X Draw | ~3.15 |
| 2 Crystal Palace | ~2.85 |
Note: Odds are indicative and can change closer to kick-off depending on team news and market movement.
Form & Head-to-Head Snapshot
| Team | Style Snapshot |
|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest | Home intensity, physical duels, and direct attacking phases—especially when the crowd drives momentum. |
| Crystal Palace | Compact structure, disciplined spacing, and transition threat when space opens behind the first press. |
Matchup feel: Forest will want to make this a high-energy home game with pressure and second balls. Palace will aim to stay organised, manage the rhythm, and strike when counter-attacking lanes appear.
Key Battles to Watch
- Second balls: Winning loose moments after clearances could decide territory and momentum.
- Palace transitions: Forest must be careful when committing numbers forward.
- Wide areas: Deliveries into the box and cut-backs can be a major chance source in tight games.
- Set pieces: Corners and wide free-kicks often swing matches like this.
- First goal: It shapes the match plan immediately for both teams.
Prediction
Final Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Crystal Palace
Prediction: This looks like a balanced matchup where Forest’s home intensity meets Palace’s game management. If Palace keep their shape and avoid turnovers, they can frustrate Forest and create moments in transition. A draw feels realistic unless one side takes an early lead and forces the game open.
Best Bet Ideas (safer style): Under 3.5 goals, or Both teams to score (Yes) if you expect transitions and set-piece chances to land. A cautious angle is Draw or Double Chance based on your preference.