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Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth Prediction: Key Stats and Betting Tips

Nottingham Forest welcome Bournemouth to the City Ground on 24 May 2026 for a final-day Premier League clash that carries very different stakes for the two clubs. Forest arrive in 16th place on 43 points after 37 matches, safely above the drop but still looking to cement a respectable finish. Bournemouth, by contrast, travel north in 6th on 56 points and currently sit in the Europa League league-phase positions, aiming to lock in continental football.

The City Ground has not been an especially strong fortress this campaign, but Forest’s recent league form of LDWWW hints at a late surge that has eased any lingering relegation fears. Bournemouth’s consistency has been their hallmark; with only seven defeats in 37 league games and a goal difference of +4, they have turned themselves into one of the division’s toughest sides to beat, especially for those tracking Premier League predictions and betting angles on this fixture.

From a betting perspective, this Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth match looks finely poised. Several bookmakers price Bournemouth as narrow favourites, reflecting both the league table and a dominant recent head-to-head record. With Forest’s attack in good scoring rhythm and Bournemouth pushing to protect a Europa League berth, this has all the ingredients to be one of the standout Premier League matches on the final day for fans and bettors alike.

Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth Key Stats

  • Nottingham Forest sit 16th with 43 points from 37 games (47 scored, 50 conceded), while Bournemouth are 6th with 56 points, scoring 57 and conceding 53.
  • Bournemouth have won the last two league meetings, beating Forest 2-0 on 26 October 2025 and 5-0 on 25 January 2025, both at the Vitality Stadium.
  • Bournemouth have kept 11 clean sheets in the league this season compared to Forest’s 9, underlining a slight defensive edge.

Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth — Tale of the Tape

  • Position: 16 vs 6
  • Points: 43 vs 56
  • Goals For: 47 vs 57
  • Goals Against: 50 vs 53
  • Clean Sheets: 9 vs 11

Season records suggest a clear gap between the sides. Forest’s 11 wins, 10 draws and 16 defeats from 37 matches have left them in the lower reaches, with a -3 goal difference (47 scored, 50 conceded). Bournemouth’s 13 wins, 17 draws and only 7 defeats underline how hard they are to beat; they have scored 57 and conceded 53, good enough for 6th and a Europa League league-phase spot.

Home and away splits add nuance. Forest have struggled at the City Ground with just 4 wins from 18 home games, scoring 19 and conceding 22. Bournemouth have been solid travellers: 6 wins, 7 draws and 5 defeats away, with 28 goals scored and 33 conceded. That away record, combined with their higher league position and status in the European places, explains why many Premier League predictions lean towards Bournemouth avoiding defeat here.

Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth Key Matchups

M. Gibbs-White vs E. Kroupi

Morgan Gibbs-White has been Forest’s standout attacking force. In 36 league appearances (34 starts, 3020 minutes), the midfielder has produced 14 goals and 4 assists. He has taken 57 shots with 31 on target, created 47 key passes from 1174 total passes at 81% accuracy, and drawn 40 fouls. His ability to both score and create makes him central to Forest’s hopes of breaking down Bournemouth’s back line.

For Bournemouth, Eli Junior Kroupi has emerged as a major attacking weapon. Across 32 appearances (20 starts, 1617 minutes), he has scored 13 goals, including 2 from the penalty spot. With 31 shots and 21 on target plus 21 key passes from 431 total passes (75% accuracy), Kroupi offers a ruthless edge in the final third. If Gibbs-White can dictate play between the lines while Kroupi exploits spaces in transition, this duel could decide which side controls the scoreboard.

N. Williams vs Álex Jiménez

Neco Williams has been a high-impact full-back for Forest. In 36 appearances (35 starts, 3116 minutes), he has chipped in with 2 goals and 3 assists, taking 26 shots (18 on target) and making 37 key passes from 1291 passes at 82% accuracy. Defensively, he has recorded 94 tackles, 17 blocks and 45 interceptions, while engaging in 377 duels and winning 211. His aggressive style also shows in his discipline: 6 yellow cards and 1 red.

On the Bournemouth side, Álex Jiménez has been similarly influential from defence. In 31 appearances (26 starts, 2330 minutes), he has scored once and produced 14 key passes from 868 passes (80% accuracy). Defensively, he has amassed 69 tackles, 11 blocks and 27 interceptions, winning 141 of 277 duels. With 10 yellow cards, he also plays on the edge. The battle of these adventurous full-backs on either flank could shape the tempo, with both capable of providing width and delivery but also vulnerable to disciplinary issues.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

Recent meetings heavily favour Bournemouth, who have consistently found ways to take points off Forest across Premier League and Championship encounters. The Cherries have dominated the fixture in the top flight, especially at the Vitality Stadium, while also enjoying success at the City Ground.

  • 26 October 2025: Bournemouth 2-0 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
  • 25 January 2025: Bournemouth 5-0 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
  • 17 August 2024: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Bournemouth (Premier League)
  • 4 February 2024: Bournemouth 1-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
  • 23 December 2023: Nottingham Forest 2-3 Bournemouth (Premier League)

Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth Prediction

Stats suggest Bournemouth hold the upper hand, but the margins are not overwhelming. The prediction model rates Forest’s win chance at 10%, with a 45% probability for both the draw and an away win, and explicitly advises a double chance on draw or Bournemouth. Bournemouth’s league form string of LWWWDDWDWLLDLLDDDLDLWDWWDWDDDDDWWDWWD and their 11 clean sheets highlight a resilient, well-balanced side.

Forest’s overall league form of WDLLDLLLLDWWLWLWLLLLWDWDLDLLDDWDWWWDL is far more erratic, though their recent run of LDWWW in the table suggests an upswing. With Bournemouth needing to protect a Europa League position and Forest keen to sign off positively at home, a competitive match is likely. Given Bournemouth’s superior consistency, away record and dominant H2H trend, the most probable outcome looks to be an away side avoiding defeat, with a tight scoreline.

Predicted Score: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Bournemouth

Nottingham Forest League Form

LDWWW

Bournemouth League Form

DWWDW

Nottingham Forest Possible Starting Lineup

A. Gunn or M. Sels (GK); N. Williams, Morato, Murillo, L. Netz (Defenders); N. Domínguez, I. Sangaré, M. Gibbs-White, C. Hudson-Odoi, J. McAtee (Midfielders); C. Wood or T. Awoniyi (Forwards).

Forest have frequently used a 4-2-3-1 structure this season, and their squad composition suits that shape. Williams’ energy on the flank and the ball-playing ability of Morato and Murillo give them a platform to build from the back, while Gibbs-White operates as the creative hub behind a physical striker such as Wood or Awoniyi. With several attacking options like D. Ndoye, L. Lucca and Igor Jesus also available, Forest can vary their approach between direct balls into the box and more intricate combination play.

Bournemouth Possible Starting Lineup

Đ. Petrović (GK); Álex Jiménez, M. Senesi, A. Truffert, J. Hill (Defenders); T. Adams, L. Cook, R. Christie, M. Tavernier (Midfielders); E. Kroupi, Evanilson or J. Kluivert (Forwards).

Bournemouth have leaned heavily on a 4-2-3-1 system, and their squad is built around technical quality and mobility. Jiménez and Truffert offer attacking thrust from full-back, while Adams and Cook can control midfield. Further forward, players like Tavernier, Christie and Kroupi provide creativity and goal threat, with Evanilson or Kluivert leading the line. With additional options such as A. Adli, D. Brooks and B. Doak, Bournemouth can adjust between possession play and quick transitions.

Nottingham Forest Team News

No significant absences reported.

Bournemouth Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

Nottingham Forest:

  • None reported.

Bournemouth:

  • None reported.

Betting Tips: Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth

Exactly 3 distinct tips from different markets:

  • Result Tip: Back Bournemouth in the Match Winner market. With a 45% implied chance of an away win and a “win or draw” edge in the predictions, the away side’s superior league position and H2H dominance make them the logical side. Odds around 2.05–2.17 are available, with 1xBet offering approximately 2.17 and Marathonbet/Pinnacle close behind.
  • Goals Tip: Back Over 1.5 Total Goals. Forest average 1.3 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per game, while Bournemouth average 1.5 scored and 1.4 conceded. Recent H2H meetings have regularly produced multiple goals, including 5-0, 3-2 and 2-0 scorelines. Use any available goals market from your bookmaker, aligning with these attacking and defensive averages.
  • Value Tip: Consider a card-related angle involving Álex Jiménez or N. Williams in your bet builder. Jiménez has collected 10 yellow cards in 31 appearances, while Williams has 6 yellows and 1 red in 36 games. In a high-stakes, final-day match, their aggressive styles make bookings a realistic value play. Combine this with a Bournemouth double chance (draw or away) as advised in the predictions for a higher-priced builder; main 1x2 odds for Bournemouth range from 2.00 at Betfair to 2.17 at 1xBet.

How to Watch Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth

Broadcast coverage varies by region. General guide:

  • Spain: Movistar LaLiga
  • UK: Premier Sports
  • Australia: beIN Sports
  • India: FanCode
  • MENA: beIN Sports
  • South America: ESPN / Disney+
  • Africa: SuperSport

Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.

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