As we head into Matchweek 34 of 38 in the Premier League, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the end of the season on the horizon, every point matters—whether you’re chasing Champions League qualification, fighting for a European spot, or trying to avoid the drop. Thursday’s clash between Nottingham Forest and Brentford represents a pivotal fixture for both teams, albeit for different reasons.
Nottingham Forest are attempting to recover from a narrow and painful FA Cup Semi Final exit, a match they’ll feel slipped from their grasp due to some early lapses and a dash of bad fortune. Their focus now shifts entirely to securing a top-four finish, with the City Ground faithful dreaming of Champions League nights under the floodlights.
Brentford, on the other hand, remain on the fringes of the European places. A win on Thursday would see them leapfrog several mid-table rivals and keep alive their slim hopes of sneaking into continental competition. Both sides will view this as a must-win encounter—with Forest eager to turn their home into a fortress once more, and Brentford hoping to continue their impressive road form.
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford
Match Info
- Premier League Matchday 34 of 38
- Thursday 1st May 2025, 15:00 EST / 20:00 GMT
- The City Ground, Nottingham, England
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest enter this contest licking their wounds after a bruising FA Cup Semi Final defeat, where early goals proved costly. Nuno Espirito Santo will be urging his players to rally and finish the domestic season strongly, especially with a Champions League place within reach.
Despite being edged out of the Premier League’s top five over the weekend, Forest hold a game in hand and a positive result here could lift them right back into the mix. Their record at the City Ground is solid—nine wins from sixteen league games—and they’ve often found success on home soil against mid-table opposition. That said, recent form is a concern. Defeats in three of their last four in all competitions suggest a dip in momentum, although a gritty win at Spurs two weeks ago was a much-needed morale booster.
The squad is expected to see some rotation due to fixture congestion, while the potential return of Ola Aina would offer a timely boost in defence.
Brentford
Thomas Frank’s Brentford side have had time to rest and reset, and they’ll arrive in Nottingham fresh and focused. Their European ambitions are slim, but mathematically intact, and this match provides the ideal opportunity to apply pressure on the teams above them in the table.
Currently sitting in 11th place, the Bees are five points off the top eight, though crucially this fixture is their game in hand. Their away form has been a revelation of late—five wins from their last eight on the road, including notable performances against Arsenal and Chelsea. Their most recent Premier League outing ended in a thumping 4-2 win over Brighton, a result that highlights their attacking potential. While Yunus Konak remains a fitness doubt, Brentford’s depth in midfield should ensure they remain competitive.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Nottingham Forest to win
Despite Brentford’s strong away form, Nottingham Forest’s urgency, quality at home, and the desire to bounce back from recent setbacks should give them the edge here. Expect a high-intensity performance from the hosts in front of a packed and passionate home crowd.
America Bet Score Prediction
Nottingham Forest 2 – 1 Brentford
Forest’s attacking threats combined with Brentford’s defensive vulnerabilities on the road make a 2-1 home win a strong possibility. Brentford will likely get on the scoresheet, but Forest should do enough to clinch all three points.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Nottingham Forest to win
- Both Teams to Score – Yes
- Over 2.5 Total Goals
- Nottingham Forest to Win & Both Teams to Score
- Brennan Johnson Anytime Goalscorer
- Nottingham Forest Over 1.5 Team Goals
- Correct Score: Nottingham Forest 2-1
- Brentford to Score in Second Half
- Draw at Half-Time / Forest at Full-Time
- Total Corners – Over 9.5
