Fulham vs Nottingham Forest preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

With just two points separating these two sides, the battle for a place in the top half of the table continues before the new year.

Fulham suffered a 2-1 defeat in the EFL Cup against Newcastle in midweek, making it the second time they have lost to the Magpies this season. Marco Silva’s men will be fully focused on the league now.

The home team has been inconsistent and will hope to use this match to put the disappointment of their last outing behind them. A win in this game will also improve their chance of going into the top half of the table.

Nottingham Forest are finding it difficult to replicate their last season's performance that saw them qualify for European competition. However, the Tricky Trees hammered Tottenham 3-0 last week to get a back-to-back win.

While Forest will remain above the dotted line regardless of the outcome of other games, a win in this fixture will show that they are capable of finishing in the top half of the table before the season ends.

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The meetings between Fulham and Forest have been interesting and full of goals. In the last 10 matches, the home team recorded 8 wins against their visitors (L2).

Matches involving these two teams usually have a winner, as the last match that ended in a draw was in 2016. The last match in this stadium ended in a 2-1 victory for Fulham.

The absence of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze will have a significant impact on Marco Silva's team. All three Super Eagles stars are off to the AFCON, which is starting on Sunday.

The manager will be optimistic that Sasa Lukic is fit enough to start, especially since his creative players will miss out in this match against Forest.

Sean Dyche will also be without Ivorian midfielder Sangare, who will represent his country at the African Cup of Nations. Ola Aina and Chris Wood are also sidelined with injuries.

The good news for Nottingham Forest is that Nigerian star Taiwo Awoniyi is back to training and could feature in this match, even if it's for a few minutes.

Fulham (4-5-1): Leno; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jimenez

Nottingham (4-2-3-1): Sels; Savona, Murillo, Milenkovic, Williams; Luiz, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus

This match will be very unpredictable, especially with the absence of key players who have travelled for the AFCON tournament. While Fulham will come into this match with midweek fatigue, we doubt Forest will be able to do much either.

Those betting on this match can find amazing odds on Livescorebet where they can bet on both teams to score at least one goal each.

Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Nottingham Forest

• Bet on both teams to score

• Over 2.5 goals

• Fulham to win or draw (Double chance)