Leicester vs Nottingham Forest: Key Players, Betting Odds, and Predictions

It’s the 110th East Midlands Derby: Leicester City vs Nottingham Forest at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, 25 October 2024. Playing this historical derby, which has long been a rivalry tied at 41 wins each (draws 26.1%), should provide an intense contest, with Leicester City looking for their third consecutive Premier League win.

The Foxes are riding high after an amazing comeback against Southampton, winning 3-2 after trailing 0-2 at the half. This was a feat that Leicester achieved in the Premier League for the first time. On the other side, the team is having a tough run of form, as it has only a single win out of the last four home games against Forest. Adding a twist, Leicester’s current manager, Steve Cooper, who once led Forest back into the Premier League, now seeks redemption against his former team.

However, Forest has their work cut out, under Nuno Espírito Santo. Nuno’s past record against Leicester is not good, since no goals have been scored by his teams in the last four encounters against the Foxes. He would also be serving a ban during this encounter, as he did during their 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace earlier this week.

Nottingham Forest does have some positives heading into the match. Their six-match unbeaten run away in the Premier League (with four wins) remains intact, making it their longest since 1995. The 2-0 win in the previous derby will boost their morale, although they haven’t managed back-to-back victories against Leicester since 1995.

Form Guide

Leicester City: DDDLWW

Leicester came from behind to win 3-2; it was their second consecutive league victory against Southampton. The Foxes showed great resoluteness, having overcome a half-time deficit of two goals—goals from Buonanotte, Vardy, and Ayew.

Nottingham Forest: DWDLDW

Nottingham Forest enters this game after a solid 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace. Chris Wood’s goal was enough to secure the points, maintaining Forest’s excellent defensive record this season, with six first-half clean sheets in eight matches. Their six-game unbeaten streak away from home will give them added confidence heading into this clash.

Players to Watch:

• Leicester City: Abdul Fatawu, who changed the game against Southampton with his substitution, might start. His last four goals all opened the scoring.

• Nottingham Forest: Chris Wood, returning to face his former club, will be eager to add to his tally of four Premier League goals against Leicester, most of which came within the first 30 minutes.

Predicted Starting XI:

• Leicester City: Hermansen; Justin, Okoli, Faes, Kristiansen; Ndidi, Winks; Fatawu, Buonanotte, Ayew; Vardy

• Nottingham Forest: Sels; Aina, Murillo, Milenkovic, Moreno; Yates, Ward-Prowse; Hudson-Odoi, Anderson, Elanga; Wood

Betting Opportunities

For those interested in betting, the odds according to GSB favor Nottingham Forest, with a win priced at 2.52 compared to Leicester’s 2.85. With Forest strong away and Leicester struggling at home, the game will be tight.

Leicester vs Nottingham Forest: Prediction

Both teams are likely to score in the fixture. However, Nottingham Forest’s strong away form may just give them the edge in this match. Prediction: 0-1 to Nottingham Forest.