Nottingham Forest will be hoping to move further away from the relagation zone when they face out-of-form Crystal Palace in a Matchday 24 action in the 2025-26 English Premier League.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the lowdown for the February 1 clash at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace match preview
Nottingham Forest earned a surprise 2-0 win at Brentford in their last outing, which was a major boost to their survival chances as they moved five points above the drop zone with 15 matches left to play this season. Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi were on the scoresheet as they secured their seventh league win of the season.
The Tricky Trees have struggled to replicate last season’s impressive campaign, but another win this time around would move them closer to safety.
Lorenzo hard at work. 💪 pic.twitter.com/o5AZP9LYSZ
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 27, 2026
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, come into this clash after a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea in their last match. Despite a bright start to the season, the Eagles have endured a difficult spell over the past few months and have not won any of their last 11 matches across all competitions.
They have already lost captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City this month, adding to their woes. Oliver Glasner side are currently 15th on the standings with 28 points and are only eight points above West Ham United in 18th position.
Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Head-to-Head record
(Last five meetings)
- 24.08.2025 – Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest
- 05.05.2025 – Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest
- 21.10.2024 – Nottingham Forest 1-0 Crystal Palace
- 30.03.2024 – Nottingham Forest 1-1 Crystal Palace
- 07.10.2023 – Crystal Palace 0-0 Nottingham Forest
Four of the last five meetings between these two sides have ended in stalemates, with Nottingham Forest winning once in the last meeting at the City Ground.
The Tricky Trees are also unbeaten un their last four home matches against Palace.
Recent form: Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have been inconsistent in recent outings and the victory over Brentford was their first in four matches across all competitions.
The Tricky Trees have struggled for goals this season and have only scored 23 times in the league, which is the second-worst record of all 20 teams.
Recent form: Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have been very poor in recent outings and are winless in 11 matches, losing the last three including a shock 2-1 defeat to lower league side Macclesfield in the FA Cup third round.
The Eagles have kept only one clean sheet in this period, although five of their seven league wins have come away from home.
A trip to the Midlands next up ⏩️ pic.twitter.com/lRWb3seiC2
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 28, 2026
Player to watch: Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
The Nigerian defender returned to action earlier this year after a long-term injury and has immediately regained his place in the lineup.
Ola Aina provided the assist for Igor Jesus’ opener in their last match and will be very crucial with his ball crossing and impressive runs down the right side.
Iwobi and four other highest earning Nigerian players in the EPL
Best Betting Odds
Draw – 3.66 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
Four of the last five meetings between these sides have ended in stalemate and this clash will continue the pattern with another full time draw.
