Football Prediction | Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Nottingham Forest | English Premier League | Jan 7 – Will Nottingham Forest Extend Their Run and Cement a Top-Three Spot?

Premier League action continues as Wolverhampton Wanderers host Nottingham Forest at Molineux Stadium on Sunday, January 7th, 2025, at 2:00 AM (GMT). Under the management of Gary O’Neil, Wolves will look to build on their strong performances this season and claim three crucial points at home. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest, managed by Steve Cooper, will look to cause an upset and continue their push for a mid-table finish.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Nottingham Forest Form Guide

Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers have displayed solid defensive and counter-attacking abilities this season. The likes of Jørgen Strand Larsen and Rayan Aït Nouri have been central to their attacking play. While Wolves are strong in stealing the ball and creating counter-attacks, their weaknesses lie in possession retention and defending set-pieces. These areas will need improvement if they are to overcome a resilient Nottingham Forest side.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest, led by Steve Cooper, have relied on their strengths in aerial duels, attacking set pieces, and creating scoring chances. Players such as Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood have been crucial in their offensive strategies. However, Forest has struggled with keeping possession of the ball and avoiding offside positions, which could be exploited by Wolves.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Nottingham Forest Key Battles:

Jørgen Strand Larsen vs Chris Wood

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jørgen Strand Larsen, with 7 goals, faces Nottingham Forest’s top scorer, Chris Wood, who has netted 11 times. Larsen’s physical presence and aerial ability in the box make him a key target man for Wolves, while Wood’s experience and clinical finishing provide Forest with a reliable goal-scoring option. This battle will likely decide who can capitalize on their chances in the final third.

Rayan Aït-Nouri vs Morgan Gibbs-White

Wolves’ Rayan Aït-Nouri, with 8 combined goals and assists, faces off against Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, who has contributed 6 goals and assists. Aït-Nouri’s attacking runs and creativity from the left-back position will test Forest’s defense, while Gibbs-White’s dribbling and playmaking ability in midfield offer Forest a creative spark. This battle could have a significant impact on both teams’ ability to transition quickly and create opportunities.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Nottingham Forest Tactical Outlook

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ tactical strength lies in their ability to steal the ball from the opposition, which allows them to quickly transition into counter-attacks. They are also effective at finishing scoring chances and creating long shot opportunities, while their ability to create chances through through balls further strengthens their attacking play. Wolves’ aggressive style, characterized by playing with width and long balls, can unsettle opponents. 

Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, is solid in defending set pieces and excelling in aerial duels. They also show strength in stealing the ball from the opposition and creating scoring chances. Their attacking play is often directed down the left and relies on taking long shots, with a focus on playing with width and attempting frequent crosses. Despite these strengths, their weaknesses are evident in their own struggles to maintain possession and avoid offside traps. 

Head-to-Head Encounters

The current head-to-head record between the two teams is Wolverhampton Wanderers 6 wins, Nottingham Forest 4 wins, and 7 draws. Wolverhampton Wanderers are the slight favorites with odds of 3.30 to win, while a draw stands at 3.20, and Nottingham Forest’s odds are at 2.30. The bookmakers predict a close contest between the two teams.

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Injury News and Suspensions

Wolverhampton Wanderers 

Wolverhampton Wanderers are dealing with several injury concerns ahead of their upcoming matches. Andre is a doubt due to a muscle injury, while Mario Lemina and Pablo Sarabia are also doubtful with muscle and calf injuries, respectively. Boubacar Traoré and Sasa Kalajdzic are both expected to return in mid-January 2025 after suffering knee and cruciate ligament injuries. Meanwhile, Toti Gomes is facing a hamstring injury, and his availability remains uncertain. Long-term absentees include Enso Gonzalez, who is out until early May 2025, and Yerson Mosquera, whose knee injury keeps him sidelined until early June 2025.

Nottingham Forest 

Nottingham Forest has a few players struggling with injuries as well. Danilo, who suffered a broken ankle, is doubtful for selection, and Ibrahim Sangaré, with a hamstring injury, is expected to be out until late January 2025. Murillo, dealing with a muscle injury, is also listed as doubtful. Forest manager Steve Cooper will need to adjust his squad with key players unavailable for varying periods.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Nottingham Forest Possible Playing Squad

Wolves 

Sá (GK), Dawson, Bueno, Doherty, Aït-Nouri, André, Gomes, Semedo, Hee-Chan, Guedes, Larsen

Nottingham Forest 

Sels (GK), Williams, Morata, Milenkovic, Aina, Anderson, Yates, Sosa, Gibbs-White, Elanga, Wood

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

Wolverhampton Wanderers will look to use their home advantage, but Nottingham Forest’s strength in set-pieces and aerial duels could create problems. Both teams are likely to create scoring opportunities, making for an exciting encounter with plenty of attacking play.

Score Prediction

A 2-1 victory for Nottingham Forest seems plausible, with Chris Wood scoring and Wolves being able to capitalize on moments, but ultimately Forest’s offensive and defensive organization will carry them through.

Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.