Nottingham Forest
- Both sides have scored in two of Nottingham Forest’s last three matches, including both away matches, and this Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland prediction suggests goals are likely whenever these teams meet.
- Nottingham Forest are a team in transition after Ange Postecoglou took the reins in September 2025.
- Postecoglou has been true to his principles since arriving at the City Ground, creating a Forest side that plays with the ball, overloads the centre of the park and transitions at pace.
- The trouble for Forest is that they have been caught out at both ends in the transition zones during this period of transition, leading to a lack of points in the early weeks of the season.
- Nottingham Forest are winless in five games in all competitions (D2, L3).
Sunderland
- Sunderland have failed to score a single goal on the road in the Premier League 2025-2026, picking up one draw and one defeat from two road trips, which could be a key stat in the Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland preview.
- Régis Le Bris has impressed since taking charge of Sunderland in July 2024.
- The Frenchman has brought a sense of structure to this side, making them tough to beat, often ceding possession to hit on the counter.
- The Black Cats have eight points on the board after five league matches and occupy seventh position in the table, although they have drawn consecutive matches in the Premier League after a 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace and a 1-1 result at home to Aston Villa.
Key Players
Granit Xhaka has been the heartbeat of this Sunderland team with two assists in his five Premier League appearances, but as part of our Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland prediction, I’m going for a Forest player anytime goal here as Igor Jesus has two goals in Forest’s last four in all competitions, while Chris Wood has scored two Premier League goals this campaign for Forest .
Betting Insights
- The bookmakers have Forest as big favorites at -129 for this one, but Sunderland are a decent side who have continuity in their squad and won’t be intimidated by the occasion or the venue. One of the best Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland betting tips is to consider the slight vulnerability in both teams' defensive records.
- Given Forest’s more attacking style of late, the BTTS market could also be profitable in this one.
- Igor Jesus and Chris Wood are the Forest players to watch for anytime-goal markets.
Prediction
Forest have home field advantage and have been more positive in their approach this season so I’m backing them to get a home win at the City Ground, in line with the Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland prediction.
