After a week’s absence, the Premier League returns this Friday, with Nottingham Forest hosting Fulham in one of the two Friday fixtures of round eight.
Venue: City Ground (Nottingham)
Key Statistics
Nottingham Forest have conceded eleven goals across their last three league games (L3).
The hosts have faced a PL-high 104 shots this season, 42 of which were on target – that’s an average of seven shots on target per match.
Fulham have lost their last three away games.
They are unbeaten in their last four away games this season (L3, D1).
The visitors have failed to win their last five top-flight games played on this day (D1, L4).
Head to head
Fulham have won each of the last three meetings between both sides, albeit in the Championship.
This will be their first meeting in the Premier League era.
Latest performances in all competitions
Nottingham Forest: L-L-L-W-D
Fulham: L-W-L-L-W
Nottingham Forest
Despite spending big on transfers, Nottingham have managed just one win in six rounds of football and look set for relegation at this early stage of the season.
Steve Cooper’s side run of poor results is only bettered by Leicester City and the Welsh coach will be under pressure to turn things around in the City Ground Stadium.
The Tricky Trees faced off against fellow promoted side Bournemouth in their last PL game before the hiatus and lost in shocking style. Steve Cooper’s side took a two-goal lead before the halftime break, courtesy of goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Brennan Johnson, but Bournemouth came back to score three to bring the tie to a 2-3 scoreline after full time.
The break from the Premier League action came at perfect timing for the Tricky Trees as they come into this game fresh and re-energised to get their season back on track.
Nottingham Forest are no strangers to playing Fulham. Having repeatedly played with the Cottagers in Championship over the past seasons, Steve Cooper’s side will fancy their chances of getting a good result against fellow newcomers.
Possible Nottingham Forest starting line-up
Dean Henderson; Joe Worrall, Steve Cook, Scott McKenna; Neco Williams, Ryan Yates, Lewis O’Brien, Lewis O’Brien, RenanLodi; Jesse Lingard, Morgan Gibbs-White; Brennan Johnson.
Injured: Omar Richards, Moussa Niakhate
Doubtful: Orel Mangala
Fulham
Alexandar Mitrovic continued his rich goal-scoring form when Fulham played away to Tottenham in game week six.
The Serbian marksman has been instrumental to the Cottagers’ success so far this season, chipping in with six goals to help his side sit in the tenth position with eight points.
Fulham have done exceptionally well for a promoted side and will be eager to continue their impressive start to the season, with yet another good result against Nottingham Forest.
Marco Silva’s side have played some exciting football this season even against stronger opponents. The Portuguese tactician will be eager for his side to go one step further in their quest to remain in the English topflight when they take on Steve Cooper’s side.
Possible Fulham starting line-up
Bernd Leno; Kenny Tete, Tosin Adarabioyo, Tim Ream, Layvin Kurzawa; Harrison Reed, Joao Palhinha; Bobby Reid, Andrea Pereira, Neeskens Kebano; Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Injured: Antonee Robinson, Manor Solomon, Harry Wilson
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Prediction
Nottingham Forest 1-1 Fulham