MX23RW : Sunday, December 27 02:47:02| >> :120:10969:10969:
Dec 12, 2020 at 3pm UK at The City Ground
Nott'm ForestNottingham Forest
1-3
BrentfordBrentford
Worrall (90+2')
Figueiredo (61'), Samba (64'), Knockaert (79')
Knockaert (90+5')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Dalsgaard (15'), Dasilva (83'), Toney (88')
Toney (64'), Raya (82'), Janelt (90+2')

Preview: Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Championship clash between Nottingham Forest and Brentford, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Brentford make the trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest having put together a 10-match unbeaten streak in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Forest have lost five of their last half a dozen fixtures, leaving the East Midlands outfit just one point above the relegation zone.


Match preview

Brentford manager Thomas Frank pictured on November 7, 2020© Reuters

After managing to go almost two months without suffering defeat in the second tier, Thomas Frank would have expected his side to be at least sitting in a playoff spot.

However, with six draws coming from their 10 matches, there is an argument that the Bees are fortunate to still be in seventh spot after the resurgence of several teams around them.

The 2-2 draw with 10-man Blackburn Rovers at the weekend was followed by a stalemate against Derby County in midweek, their fifth draw in nine home games this season.

Brentford's results at their new stadium are undermining their efforts on the road, and Frank may now feel that his side are better equipped to gain victory away from the capital.

Ten points have come from a possible 12 since their defeat at Stoke City in the middle of October, a run which has featured four successive clean sheets.

Frank and his players will be confident of making it five in a row against a team in Forest who are lacking belief in the final third.

Anthony Knockaert's fortuitous goal against Norwich City on Wednesday night ended Forest's five-match streak without finding the back of the net.

Despite their abysmal form in front of goal, Chris Hughton's side have somehow managed to remain in 21st position, ahead of improving Derby and Wycombe Wanderers.

Hughton is aware that he has players at his disposal who would hold down a position in many teams at this level, giving him reason to believe that his squad will eventually start living up to their potential.

Remarkably, Forest are yet to concede more than two goals in a match all season, but that only highlights how poor this team have performed in attack under Hughton and previous boss Sabri Lamouchi.

Nottingham Forest Championship form: LLLDLL

Brentford Championship form: DWWWDD


Team News

Chris Hughton pictured in charge of Nottingham Forest on October 17, 2020© Reuters

Knockaert will almost certainly come back into the Forest XI, potentially at the expense of Harry Arter.

Lyle Taylor is in line to retain his place in attack, despite failing to score in his last half a dozen starts.

Frank will likely hand a recall to Brentford centre-back Ethan Pinnock, who remained as an unused substitute against Derby.

Mathias Jensen is expected to replace Emiliano Marcondes, while Tariqe Fosu-Henry and Marcus Forss are pushing for an outing in the final third.

Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Samba; Christie, Figueiredo, Worrall, Ribeiro; Sow, Cafu; Lolley, Knockaert, Ameobi; Taylor

Brentford possible starting lineup:
Raya; Dalsgaard, Jansson, Pinnock, Henry; Jensen, Janelt, Dasilva; Mbuemo, Toney, Fosu-Henry


SM words green background

We say: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Brentford

Given their lack of form in the final third, this game could be far closer than many people are anticipating. Nevertheless, we still expect the visitors to come through with maximum points, potentially through a late goal with Forest prepared to hold out for a point.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


ID:425844:cQx

How you voted: Nott'm Forest vs Brentford

Nottingham Forest
12.2%
Draw
26.8%
Brentford
61.0%
41
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Marcus Forss scores for Brentford against Rotherham United in the Championship on December 1, 2020
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Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Norwich CityNorwich21134429191043
2Swansea CitySwansea21116425121339
3Bournemouth20108235161938
4Brentford21108334201438
5Reading2111373227536
6Watford209742315834
7Stoke CityStoke219752520534
8Middlesbrough1996424141033
9Bristol City2110382222033
10Barnsley219482527-231
11Blackburn RoversBlackburn2185835251029
12Cardiff CityCardiff218582823529
13Preston North EndPreston2192102830-229
14Huddersfield TownHuddersfield218492529-428
15Luton TownLuton217681823-527
16Millwall2051051718-125
17Birmingham CityBirmingham215881723-623
18Coventry CityCoventry215882028-823
19Queens Park RangersQPR214891929-1020
20Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2146111425-1118
21Rotherham UnitedRotherham1944111827-916
22Derby CountyDerby2037101023-1316
23Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds2147101222-1013
24Wycombe WanderersWycombe2126131331-1812

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