Nottingham Forest - Bristol City predictions and free betting tips [07/02/2024]

On Wednesday 7th February, in the second leg of the English Cup 1/16 finals, Nottingham Forest will host Bristol City on their home turf. Nuno Espirito Santo's charges played out a goalless draw with the 'foresters' at Ashton Gate on 26th January. The winner of this clash will meet Manchester United in the next round.

Nottingham Forest

For Nottingham Forest, the English Cup rounds so far have not been easy. Nuno Espirito's team drew 0:0 with Bristol City two weeks ago and is preparing for the rematch. Earlier, they beat Blackpool 2:3 after overtime in a two-legged tie. In the Premier League, the 'foresters' are in 16th place in the league and are just 2 points away from the relegation zone. Suffering two consecutive defeats against Brentford (3:2) and Arsenal (1:2), Nottingham Forest managed to draw against Bournemouth last weekend (1:1): Callum Hudson-Odoi responded to an early goal from Justin Kluivert. Despite being a man down in the last 15 minutes due to Philip Billing's sending off, Santo's pupils were unable to capitalize on the advantage.

Nottingham Forest must do without the injured Origi. Also in doubt is the participation of the striker Wood (8 goals) and midfielder Kuyate. Finally, Ivorians Boli and Sangare, as well as Nigerian Aina, are still participating in the Africa Cup of Nations. Center forward Awoniyi (5 goals and 2 assists) has recovered from physical issues and will start, as will attacking midfielders Gibbs-White, Elanga, and Hudson-Odoi. It remains unclear whether the head coach will rest his leaders and field the immediate reserve. Among Nottingham Forest's transfer news - key holding midfielder Mangala's move to Lyon, experienced lateral Orije in Galatasaray, and former players Mckenna (Copenhagen), Horvat (Cardiff) and Agilera (Bristol Rovers). On the other hand, attacking midfielder Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), young forward Rodrigo Ribeiro (Sporting) and goalkeeper Sels (Strasbourg) joined the club.

Bristol City

In the previous round of the FA Cup, Bristol City pulled off a surprise, knocking out West Ham in a replay (1:0). The representative of the Championship was able to hold 0:0 draw in the first match against Nottingham and is now preparing to play the return match away. As of now, Liam Manning's team occupies only 14th place in the league table and lags by 7 points from the 6th place. Moreover, the visitors have not known success in the last 6 rounds (3 draws and 3 losses) and have yet to recover from last weekend's home defeat to Leeds by a score of 0:1 - the only goal was scored by Wilfried Gnonto. A dismal series of just one victory in the previous 11 away matches is not likely to fill the Robins' fans with overwhelming optimism prior to their visit to City Ground.

Bristol City remains without leading striker Sykes, who joined the injured Atkinson and Benarus, as well as midfielder Twine. Furthermore, the return of key Scottish holding midfielder Naismith is uncertain. The absence of Sykes (5 goals in the championship) and Twine (5 goals) has a clear negative impact on the attacking capabilities of the White-Reds, who are forced to rely on Conway (6 goals). In the winter transfer window, Bristol added young Irish midfielder Murphy (18 years old, St Pats), defender Gardner-Hickman (West Bromwich), playmaker Twine (Burnley) and winger Mebude (Westerlo). On the other hand, attacking midfielder Weimann joined West Bromwich.

Head-to-head

In each of the past four cases when Nottingham Forest met Bristol City in the FA Cup, the 'foresters' advanced further.

Prediction for the Nottingham Forest - Bristol City match

Forest have slipped somewhat after a brisk start under Nuno Espirito, however they remain a tough nut to crack at City Ground. Nonetheless, the hosts are expected to comfortably progress to the next round, considering the dismal away performance of the 'Robins'. My prediction is a win for the favourite.