Brentford vs Nottingham Forest

The Gtech Community Stadium hosts a vital clash today, Sunday, January 25, 2026, as Brentford looks to bolster its European credentials against a Nottingham Forest side fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone. Kick-off is set for 14:00 GMT (09:00 ET).

Brentford currently sits in 8th place (33 points), just two points shy of the Europa League spots. Despite a 2–0 loss to Chelsea last weekend, the "Bees" have been one of the most reliable home sides in the country. Nottingham Forest is in 17th place (22 points), five points above the drop zone, and arrives in West London following a bruising midweek defeat in the Europa League.

Match Information

Brentford: The European Dream

Under the management of Keith Andrews, Brentford has become one of the league's most dangerous transition teams. Before their loss at Stamford Bridge, they were on a seven-match unbeaten run. Their success this season has been built on a rock-solid home record, having lost only once at the Gtech all season (to Manchester City).

Team News and Selection:

• Thiago’s Pursuit: Brazilian striker Igor Thiago is the league's second-highest scorer with 16 goals. He has scored seven match-openers this season, more than any other player.

• Midfield Boost: Frank Onyeka is available after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. Jordan Henderson faces a late fitness test on an ankle injury but is expected to be in the squad.

• Long-term Absentees: Fabio Carvalho, Josh Dasilva, and Antoni Milambo remain out with knee injuries.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, Ajer, Henry; Janelt, Yarmoliuk; Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade; Thiago.

Nottingham Forest: The Dyche Defiance

Sean Dyche’s men are looking to snap a poor run of form that has seen them lose six of their last eight matches in all competitions. Their midweek 1–0 loss to Braga in the Europa League was particularly demoralizing, but they possess a "spoiler" reputation, having already beaten Brentford 3–1 earlier this season.

Team News and Selection:

• Striker Crisis: Chris Wood is out for the long term following knee surgery. With Igor Jesus also a doubt (knock), Forest’s attacking options are thin.

• New Face: Loan signing Lorenzo Lucca could make his debut today after arriving from Napoli on Friday to help ease the centre-forward dilemma.

• Defensive Doubts: Murillo and John Victor are both sidelined, putting immense pressure on the partnership of Milenković and Morato.

• Key Man: Morgan Gibbs-White remains the creative hub; he has scored in each of his last two away Premier League matches.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams; Sangaré, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus (or Lucca).

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• The "Double" Hunt: Nottingham Forest is looking to complete their first-ever Premier League "double" over Brentford following their 3–1 win in August.

• Direct Attack Threat: Forest has conceded more goals from "direct attacks" than almost any team in the league—a major concern against Brentford’s vertical style.

• Home Dominance: Brentford has collected 24 points at home this season; only Arsenal, Man City, and Aston Villa have more.

• Goal Drought: Forest has failed to score in 11 league matches this season, the highest number in the division.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Brentford’s game plan is no secret: high intensity, early crosses into Igor Thiago, and rapid transitions. They will look to exploit Forest's makeshift central defense, which has looked vulnerable against pace in recent weeks.

For Forest, the key will be Morgan Gibbs-White. If he can find pockets of space between Brentford's midfield and defense, he has the quality to feed Callum Hudson-Odoi on the break. However, without a consistent focal point like Chris Wood, Forest may struggle to maintain pressure in the final third.

Final Score Prediction: Brentford 2–0 Nottingham Forest