Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Prediction: Key Stats and Betting Tips
Nottingham Forest welcome Tottenham to the City Ground on 5 September 2026 in a Premier League clash where both sides are desperate to kick-start their campaigns. Forest have taken just one point from their opening two matches, while Tottenham sit bottom of the table after two heavy defeats without scoring.
With the City Ground traditionally a difficult venue and recent head-to-heads tilting strongly in Forest’s favour, this fixture shapes up as a key early-season marker for both clubs. Forest will see this as a chance to push away from the lower reaches of the standings, while Tottenham already need a response to avoid being cut adrift. For those looking for Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham predictions and Premier League betting tips, this matchup offers an intriguing blend of recent form, H2H trends and closely priced odds.
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Key Stats
- Nottingham Forest are 15th with 1 point from 2 matches, scoring 2 and conceding 3.
- Forest have won the last three Premier League meetings against Tottenham (3-0, 3-0, 2-1) between 14 December 2025 and 22 March 2026.
- Across their 2026 Premier League statistics, Forest average 1.0 goal scored and 1.5 conceded per match, 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: 0 vs 0
After two rounds, Nottingham Forest sit 15th in the Premier League table with one draw and one defeat. They have scored twice and conceded three, with their only home outing so far ending in a 0-1 loss. It is a modest start, but they have at least found the net away from home and shown some attacking threat.
Tottenham’s situation is more alarming. They are 20th with zero points, two defeats from two, and a goal difference of -5 after conceding five and failing to score. Both home and away, they have lost without finding the net (0-2 at home and 0-3 away). Early-season caveats apply, but the numbers underline why this trip to Nottingham is already a pressure game for Spurs.
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Key Matchups
M. Gibbs-White vs Tottenham Midfield Unit
M. Gibbs-White is Forest’s standout creative force so far in the 2026 Premier League campaign. In 2 appearances (180 minutes), he has 1 goal and 1 assist, directly contributing to both of Forest’s goals. His attacking profile is well-rounded: 4 shots (1 on target), 59 passes with 83% accuracy, and 1 key pass. He also brings energy and work rate, with 2 tackles, 1 interception, and 10 duels won out of 21, plus 4 successful dribbles from 8 attempts.
Tottenham have yet to register a goal and have conceded 5 across their first two matches, which puts huge emphasis on their midfield and defensive structure to contain Gibbs-White between the lines. His ability to receive in pockets, drive at defenders and win fouls could tilt the territorial battle in Forest’s favour, particularly against a Spurs side that has struggled to control games early in the season.
O. Aina vs Tottenham Wide Attack
O. Aina has been heavily involved for Forest, playing 160 minutes across 2 appearances. Although listed as a defender in the squad data, his statistical profile shows him contributing on both sides of the ball: 1 shot on target from 1 attempt, 58 passes (63% accuracy) and 4 key passes, indicating he is an outlet in build-up and chance creation. Defensively, he has 2 tackles, 1 interception and has won 10 of 20 duels, plus 4 successful dribbles from 7 attempts.
Aina has also picked up 2 yellow cards, underlining his aggressive style in duels. Up against a Tottenham front line that includes pace and movement in wide areas, his discipline and decision-making will be crucial. If he can balance his forward runs with solid defensive positioning, he can both pin back Spurs’ wingers and help Forest exploit space on transitions.
Head-to-Head: Last Meetings
Recent meetings between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham have been eventful, with momentum swinging over the last few seasons. Forest have enjoyed a strong run in the most recent clashes, especially since late 2024.
- 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 a tight, low-scoring contest. Forest’s league form is mixed (one draw, one defeat), but their underlying numbers are more encouraging than Tottenham’s: 2 goals scored versus Spurs’ 0, and a less severe defensive record. Tottenham’s early-season attack has been blunt, averaging 0.0 goals per match, while conceding 2.5 on average.
Head-to-head trends strongly favour Forest in the last four Premier League meetings, all won by the East Midlands side. The comparison model also leans towards Forest, giving them a clear edge in form and attack indices, while defensive metrics are relatively closer. The prediction probabilities give Forest a 50% chance of winning, the draw at 50%, and Tottenham at 0%, underlining how little confidence there is in an away victory at this stage.
Predicted Score: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Tottenham
Nottingham Forest Recent Form
Forest’s recent Premier League form reads one draw and one loss. They have shown they can score away from home, with 2 goals in their single away match, but they failed to score in their only home outing so far. Defensively, they have conceded 3 in 2 games, with a tendency to let goals in after the break, particularly between the 46–60 and 76–90 minute windows. Overall, it is a mixed but not disastrous start.
Tottenham Recent Form
Tottenham’s recent form is poor: two straight league defeats, no goals scored and five conceded. They have lost 0-2 at home and 0-3 away, and their attacking metrics show no goals and no over-0.5 goal matches in either fixture. Defensively, they have been breached in every key time window, especially between 61–75 minutes, where a significant share of their goals conceded has occurred. Confidence will be fragile coming into this game.
Nottingham Forest Possible Starting Lineup
GK: M. Sels or S. Benda; Defenders: O. Aina, O. Diomande, N. Milenković, Morato, L. Netz, N. Williams, Murillo, Z. Abbott; Midfielders: N. Domínguez, M. Gibbs-White, C. Hudson-Odoi, J. McAtee, I. Sangaré, X. Schlager, R. Yates, G. McDonnell, A. Whitehall; Forwards: C. Wood, L. Delap, O. Hutchinson, Igor Jesus, A. Kalimuendo, D. Ndoye, Z. Blake.
Forest have predominantly used a 3-4-2-1 shape in their early 2026 fixtures, which suits their depth in central defenders and attacking midfielders like Gibbs-White. Expect a back three built from options such as Diomande, Milenković, Morato or Murillo, with wing-backs potentially including Aina and Netz or Williams. Up front, Chris Wood offers a focal point, while mobile forwards like Kalimuendo or Delap can stretch Tottenham’s back line. With no listed injuries, Forest should have flexibility to maintain an aggressive, front-foot setup at home.
Tottenham Possible Starting Lineup
GK: M. Dúbravka or B. Austin; Defenders: K. Danso, B. Davies, A. Robertson, M. Senesi, J. van Hecke, M. van de Ven, D. Udogie, A. Gray, Souza, K. Takai, James Rowswell, M. Hardy; Midfielders: R. Bentancur, C. Gallagher, P. Sarr, S. Tonali, L. Bergvall, Mateus Fernandes, X. Simons, J. Maddison, M. Kudus, D. Ajayi, Rio Kyerematen, T. Hall, C. Olusesi, M. Tel, L. Williams-Barnett; Forwards: Richarlison, D. Solanke, Omar Marmoush, Sávio, D. Scarlett, M. Moore.
Tottenham have lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation across their two league matches, suggesting a back four with overlapping full-backs and a double pivot in midfield. Creative responsibility is likely to fall on players such as Maddison, Kudus, X. Simons or C. Gallagher in the advanced roles behind a central striker like Richarlison or Solanke. With no injuries reported, Spurs have the personnel to improve quickly, but the challenge is to convert that talent into end product after two games without a goal.
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: Double chance Nottingham Forest or Draw. The prediction model gives Forest a 50% chance of winning and the draw at 50%, with Tottenham at 0%, strongly favouring the hosts not to lose. The market is very balanced, with home odds ranging from 2.34 to 2.62 (implied probability roughly 38.2% to 42.7%) and away odds from 2.65 to 2.88 (about 34.7% to 37.7%). Taking Forest or Draw covers two outcomes in a game where Spurs’ early form is poor.
- Goals Tip: Under 2.5 total goals. Forest average 1.0 goal scored and 1.5 conceded per game; Tottenham average 0.0 scored and 2.5 conceded, but with a strong trend of low attacking output. Both teams have failed to keep a clean sheet, yet Spurs’ lack of goals and Forest’s moderate attack point towards a tight contest. Look for the best price on Under 2.5 in the goals market with your chosen bookmaker.
- Value Tip: Nottingham Forest to score first. Forest have scored in their away match and carry a creative spark through M. Gibbs-White, who already has 1 goal and 1 assist. Tottenham have conceded early in multiple time windows and are vulnerable defensively. With home win odds around 2.34–2.62 and Spurs struggling to create, Forest to net the opener offers an appealing angle at a likely plus-money price in the “First Team to Score” market.
Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.






