Nottingham Forest - Crystal Palace predictions and free betting tips [30/03/2024]

On Saturday, 30th March, in the framework of Matchday 30 of the Premier League, Nottingham Forest will take on Crystal Palace on their home ground. The hosts are in a deep crisis, having failed to secure a victory in their last five matches, whilst the 'Eagles', under the leadership of Glasner, are striving to solidify their position in the middle of the league table. 

Predicted Line-ups

Nottingham Forest: Sels; Williams, Felipe, Murillo, Toffolo; Sangare, Yates; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Origi.
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Ward, Andersen, Richards; Munoz, Wharton, Lerma, Mitchell; Eze, Ayew; Mateta. 

Stadium

The bout will take place in Nottingham at the City Ground.     

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest recently had four points deducted for breaching financial regulations, causing Nuno Espírito Santo's squad to slip to 18th place in the Premier League table, lagging just one point behind the safety zone. Lately, the hosts are in a crisis: over the last 9 matchdays they managed just one victory, played two draws and suffered 6 defeats. Successively succumbing to Aston Villa (4:2), Liverpool (0:1) and Brighton (1:0), Nottingham Forest gouged a point from direct competitors in the struggle for survival - Luton (1:1), with the hatters equalling the score in the 89th minute!

It is also noteworth to mention that the white-and-reds have excelled poorly playing at the City Ground in the current campaign: in 14 home bouts they gathered only 15 points (the fifth from last result), scoring 19 goals whilst conceding 21. Considering that they have upcoming games against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, the Foresters need to rack up points this Saturday. 

Crystal Palace

Currently sitting in the 14th place in the Premier League table with one game in hand and being 8 points clear of the relegation zone, Crystal Palace has all the chances to provide a smooth end to the season. However, the Londoners should be on their guard: over the last 6 matchdays they defeated only a sinking Burnley, drew twice and succumbed three times. Following this crucial victory, the capital club lost to Tottenham Hotspur (3:1), and prior to the international break, they dropped points at home to Luton Town (1:1) - the goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta was answered by Cauley Woodrow in the 96th minute.

During the break accompanying national team games, the Eagles beat Norway's Bodo/Glimt (1:0) in a friendly match thanks to a goal from Eberechi Eze. It's important to note that these results came under the stewardship of their new manager, Oliver Glasner, who succeeded Roy Hodgson. Overall, the Tricolours perform decently away from home: in 14 away clashes, they accumulated 13 points (13th overall in the league), scoring 14 goals and conceding 28. 

Head-to-head encounters

The Eagles have managed to beat Nottingham only once over their last 12 head-to-head encounters in the Premier League - with a score of 0:1 at the City Ground back in December 2011 when both clubs were playing in the Championship. The first-leg match of the current season ended in a scoreless draw. 

Prediction for "Nottingham Forest" – "Crystal Palace" match

Recently, Crystal Palace has been struggling away from home, but the Eagles will be buoyed by the fact that Forest has lost seven of their last nine matches at the City Ground. Meanwhile, Nuno Espírito Santo's charges need to turbocharge their performance as quickly as possible after the point deduction - otherwise they risk lagging behind the safe 17th spot. Four of the previous six head-to-head matches between these teams ended in a draw - and the same will likely happen this time. 

Total prediction 

Over the four previous head-to-head matches, these teams didn't score more than two goals combined. Neither side are known for their attacking style of play and are unlikely to force the pace in this match, so I'm predicting under 2.5 total goals. 

Corner prediction 

Nottingham makes fewer than 4 corner kicks per match, whilst visiting teams average 4.8. I'm wagering that the Eagles will match their opponent in corners.  

Yellow card prediction 

Forest will be compelled to fight for every ball, as the team desperately needs points. I'm predicting the hosts will outrank the guests in terms of yellow cards.  

Score prediction

I'm predicting a final score of 1:1.