The Premier League reaches a critical juncture as Crystal Palace host Nottingham Forest in what promises to be a tactically intense and high-stakes fixture at Selhurst Park. With both sides having experienced mixed form in recent weeks, the clash carries significant implications for league positioning and momentum heading into the season’s final stretch.
Bank holiday in the capital. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/fw4hFjCNSj
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 3, 2025
Match Details
- Fixture: Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest
- Date: Monday, May 5, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM (BST)
- Venue: Selhurst Park, London
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest Head-to-Head Record
In the last five meetings between these clubs, Nottingham Forest are unbeaten, with two wins and three draws. Notably, four of those five matches saw both teams on the scoresheet. This recent history reinforces the BTTS angle as a value play.
Crystal Palace Recent Form (Last 10 League Matches)
- Wins: 4
- Draws: 3
- Losses: 3
- Average Goals Scored: 1.5
- Average Goals Conceded: 1.7
- BTTS Yes in 6 of last 10 matches
- Possession Average: 41.3%
- Home BTTS Rate: 8 of last 10 matches
Jean-Philippe Mateta leads the scoring charts with 14 goals, supported by Ismaila Sarr and Eberechi Eze. The creative spark from Eze in midfield makes Palace a consistent threat despite limited possession.
Nottingham Forest Recent Form (Last 10 League Matches)
- Wins: 4
- Draws: 1
- Losses: 5
- Average Goals Scored: 1.3
- Average Goals Conceded: 1.4
- BTTS Yes in 5 of last 7 away games
- Possession Average: 40.3%
- Total Goals per Away Match: 3.9
Forest’s away form has seen high-scoring affairs. With Elanga, Gibbs-White, and Chris Wood contributing goals and assists, the Tricky Trees are dangerous on the break.
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
- Defenders: Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Muñoz
- Midfielders: Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell, Sarr
- Forwards: Eze, Mateta
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
- Defenders: Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams
- Midfielders: Dominguez, Yates, Elanga, Gibbs-White, Anderson
- Forward: Chris Wood
All set for tomorrow.#CPFC pic.twitter.com/BslVeNrAVQ
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 4, 2025
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest Key Player Matchups
- Eberechi Eze vs Ryan Yates: Eze’s vision and ball control will be crucial in Palace’s link-up play. Yates must remain disciplined in midfield to suppress his influence.
- Jean-Philippe Mateta vs Murillo: Mateta’s physical presence and aerial ability can test Forest’s centre-backs, especially during set-pieces.
- Elanga and Gibbs-White vs Palace Full-Backs: Forest’s pace down the flanks can hurt Palace if Mitchell or Muñoz push too high.
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest Betting Tips
Both Teams to Score – Yes:
- Covered in 8 of Palace’s last 10 home matches
- Covered in 6 of Forest’s last 10 away matches
- Five consecutive Forest away games featured BTTS
- Current price: 1.80
- Implied probability: ~55%, but real probability is estimated at 60–65%
Correct Score: 1-1 Draw:
- Available around 5.80 odds
- Reflects the tight nature of recent head-to-head clashes
- Value in backing a predictable scoreline based on goal averages
Our Prediction: Both Teams to Score in Tactical Battle
We forecast a tightly contested match with both sides expected to find the net. The most likely result is a 1-1 draw, based on recent form and head-to-head trends. The recommended bet is Both Teams to Score – Yes, currently priced around 1.80 with most bookmakers.
Forest’s attacking unit, led by Chris Wood and Anthony Elanga, has been effective on the road, while Palace have a strong record of scoring at home. However, neither team has shown consistent defensive solidity.
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Woody with the winner against Crystal Palace in October. ⏪ pic.twitter.com/DWIIEJ9CAA
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 4, 2025
Conclusion
Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are expected to deliver a balanced, competitive fixture marked by goals at both ends. While Forest have the historical edge, Palace’s recent attacking output—especially at home—suggests they will find the net. Our analysis points to a 1-1 draw as the most probable outcome, with strong supporting data for Both Teams to Score and Under 10.5 Corners as value picks. Given the tactical set-up, inconsistent defenses, and reliance on transitional play, betting on BTTS and a tight scoreline presents the smartest approach.
