Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest Lineups – Prediction, Team News & Where to Watch

The Premier League encounter between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest on Sunday, August 24th, 2025, at Selhurst Park (14:00 BST) promises to be a fascinating tactical battle.

This Gameweek 2 clash features two teams with contrasting opening-day results: Forest’s impressive 3-1 victory over Brentford and Palace’s defensively solid 0-0 draw against Chelsea.

The match gains additional intrigue from Palace’s summer departures and Forest’s successful retention of their key creative force. Historical data suggests a closely contested affair, with four of the last five meetings ending in draws.

This comprehensive preview will analyze the predicted lineups, delve into the tactical philosophies of both managers, examine key player matchups, and provide a final score prediction.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Crystal Palace

Manager Oliver Glasner is expected to stick with the 3-4-2-1 formation that proved so effective in stifling Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. However, he must overcome several significant absences.

The Glasner has suffered a major blow with the summer departure of creative leader Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, following Michael Olise’s exit. This leaves a substantial creative void in the final third.

The injury list further compounds Glasner’s problems. Key central midfielder Cheick Doucouré remains a long-term absentee, while centre-back Chadi Riad and box-to-box midfielder Daichi Kamada are also sidelined.

In attack, backup forward Eddie Nketiah is ruled out with a hamstring issue, and Caleb Kphorha faces a late fitness test to determine his availability.

Despite these setbacks, Palace’s defensive unit remains intact and will be crucial to their game plan.

Crystal Palace Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Guéhi, Lacroix; Muñoz, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Sarr, Édouard; Mateta

Nottingham Forest

In contrast to his counterpart, Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo enjoys a relatively clean bill of health and has a settled squad at his disposal.

The club’s biggest victory of the summer was successfully retaining their star playmaker, Morgan Gibbs-White, who was instrumental in their Gameweek 1 win.

Forest’s system is built around Gibbs-White’s creativity in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The backline is experienced and physically imposing, led by Murillo and Nikola Milenković.

The double pivot in midfield provides balance, allowing the explosive wingers, Callum Hudson-Odoi and new signing Dan Ndoye, to stay high and wide.

Up front, veteran striker Chris Wood silenced doubters with a brace against Brentford, proving he remains a clinical finisher.

Nottingham Forest Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Murillo, Milenković, Williams; Sangaré, Anderson; Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Ndoye; Wood

Current Form and Head-to-Head Record

Nottingham Forest sits 5th after Gameweek 1 with a +2 goal difference following their 3-1 win over Brentford. Crystal Palace is in 12th with a single point and a 0-0 draw against Chelsea.

Recent Head-to-Head Results

The recent history between these two clubs suggests a tight and often cagey affair. Head-to-head records show that four of their last five meetings have ended in a draw.

Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest Prediction and Key Factors

The Gameweek 2 clash at Selhurst Park is unlikely to be a goal-fest but will be a captivating contest for tacticians.

Oliver Glasner’s organized Crystal Palace will look to prove their point against Nuno Espírito Santo’s counter-attacking Nottingham Forest.

The key individual battles, particularly in midfield and on the flanks, will likely determine the outcome.

While Palace will make it a difficult afternoon for the visitors, the absence of Eberechi Eze might be the decisive factor that prevents them from securing all three points.

Expect a closely fought draw where both teams struggle to create a plethora of chances, with the final result potentially hinging on a single moment of brilliance or a defensive error.

Predicted Final Score: Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest

Where to Watch: Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest