Burnley vs Nottingham

As the Premier League season draws to a close, Nottingham Forest heads to Turf Moor on Sunday afternoon to face Burnley in a match with high stakes for the visitors. The Tricky Trees need just a point to secure their top-flight survival, while Burnley, already relegated, will be playing for pride and the chance to avoid finishing second from bottom.

Match Preview

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany has stuck to his principles of an attacking, possession-based style of play throughout the season. However, the Clarets' naivety and missed opportunities have led to their swift return to the Championship. Last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, despite taking an early lead through Jacob Bruun Larsen, sealed their fate.

Despite their relegation, Burnley’s recent form has shown glimpses of promise, with only three losses in their last ten Premier League matches. However, their inability to convert draws into wins and their poor final-day record—losing their last six Premier League matches on the final day of the season—does not bode well. Additionally, Burnley has struggled at Turf Moor, managing just 18 home goals and failing to keep a clean sheet in their last ten home fixtures.

On the other hand, Nottingham Forest nearly secured their Premier League status last weekend in a dramatic 3-2 loss to Chelsea. Former Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and Willy Boly put Forest ahead after Mykhaylo Mudryk's opener, but late goals from Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson denied them a vital point. Despite the setback, Forest's three-point lead over Luton Town, coupled with a significantly better goal difference (-19 to Luton's -31), means they are in a strong position to stay up.

Team News

Burnley

Burnley's squad has been hampered by injuries throughout the season, and they remain without several key players. Luca Koleosho, who had been hoped to return against Tottenham, is unlikely to be risked. Nathan Redmond (thigh), Jordan Beyer (thigh), Aaron Ramsey (knee), and Ameen Al-Dakhil (unspecified) are also sidelined. However, both Charlie Taylor and Maxime Esteve were fit to feature against Spurs, providing some stability in defense.

Kompany might stick with a similar lineup to the one that faced Tottenham, with Vitinho potentially continuing in a more advanced left-wing role. This strategy could be vital against a Nottingham Forest side desperate for points.

Possible Burnley Starting Lineup:

Muric; Assignon, O'Shea, Esteve, Taylor; Bruun Larsen, Berge, Cullen, Vitinho; Odobert, Foster

Nottingham Forest

For Nottingham Forest, right-back Neco Williams remains out with a thigh injury, and he has been joined on the sidelines by Nicolas Dominguez, who is recovering from a hernia operation. Despite these absences, Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has a relatively well-stocked squad.

The only other concern revolves around World Cup-winning right-back Gonzalo Montiel, who has been in the news due to allegations of sexual assault, which he denies. However, there is no indication that he will miss Sunday’s match. Anthony Elanga may come into the starting lineup in place of Moussa Niakhate if Santo opts for a more offensive setup.

Possible Nottingham Forest Starting Lineup:

Sels; Montiel, Boly, Murillo, Aina; Yates, Danilo; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood

Key Players to Watch

For Burnley, Jacob Bruun Larsen will be crucial. His goal against Tottenham showed his capability to impact games, and his creativity will be needed against a Forest side likely to be cautious. Sander Berge and Josh Cullen in midfield must control the tempo and shield the defense, while Vitinho and Odobert will need to be at their attacking best to trouble the Forest backline.

For Nottingham Forest, the focus will be on Callum Hudson-Odoi, who has found his form late in the season. His ability to create and score goals will be pivotal in a match where a point is all Forest need. Morgan Gibbs-White's creativity and Chris Wood’s experience up front will also be crucial, especially in set-piece situations where Forest could exploit Burnley’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Prediction

Given the stakes, this promises to be a tense affair. Burnley will want to give their fans something to cheer about in their final Premier League game before relegation. However, Nottingham Forest’s need for a point to ensure their survival should see them put in a disciplined performance.

With Burnley’s poor final-day record and Forest’s motivation to secure their Premier League status, a draw seems the most likely outcome. A 1-1 draw would suffice for Forest, guaranteeing their safety and leaving Burnley with a point that might help them avoid finishing 19th if Luton also loses.

The final matchday of the Premier League season often throws up unexpected results, and while Burnley will be playing for pride, Nottingham Forest’s superior motivation and need for points should see them over the line. Vincent Kompany’s side will aim to end their season on a high note, but the Tricky Trees are likely to secure the necessary point to ensure their Premier League survival.