Nottingham Forest vs Malmö FF Match Preview: UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase
Match Details
Competition: UEFA Europa League 2025/26 – League Phase (Matchday 5)
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET)
Venue: The City Ground, Nottingham, England
Referee: TBA
TV Coverage: TNT Sports (UK), Paramount+ (US)
Current Standings and Context
This Europa League encounter brings together two clubs in contrasting circumstances. Nottingham Forest currently sit in 23rd position with five points from four matches, occupying the final playoff qualification spot by the narrowest of margins. Malmö FF languish in 33rd place with just one point, making them one of the competition’s worst-performing teams and desperately needing points to salvage their European campaign.
Forest enter this fixture on the back of their most impressive result of the season – a stunning 3-0 victory at Anfield that shocked Liverpool and sent shockwaves through English football. That triumph represents Forest’s finest moment under new manager Sean Dyche and provides enormous momentum heading into this crucial European fixture.
Malmö’s struggles have been pronounced. With one draw and three defeats from their opening four matches, the Swedish champions find themselves in serious danger of early elimination. However, their recent 2-1 domestic victory over GAIS provides a glimmer of hope that they can compete when circumstances align favorably.
This match represents a must-win situation for both teams, though for different reasons. Forest need victory to strengthen their playoff qualification prospects and build on their remarkable momentum, while Malmö require points simply to remain mathematically alive in the competition.
Team Form Analysis
Nottingham Forest – Riding Momentum After Liverpool Stunner
Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest are experiencing a remarkable resurgence. The Tricky Trees are now unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions, with victories in their last two fixtures showcasing the transformation Dyche has orchestrated since his appointment in October.
The defining moment came at Anfield on Saturday, where Forest delivered a performance for the ages. Goals from Morgan Gibbs-White, Ibrahim Sangaré and Elliot Anderson secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory over the defending Premier League champions, Forest’s first win at Anfield in over 50 years. The result was particularly sweet given Liverpool’s recent domestic dominance, and the manner of the victory – controlling possession and limiting Liverpool to minimal chances – demonstrated Forest’s tactical evolution under Dyche.
Prior to the Liverpool triumph, Forest defeated Leeds United 3-1 in the league, further evidence of their improved form. In the Europa League, Forest’s campaign has been inconsistent but promising. After losing their opening fixture, they secured a vital victory over Porto on Dyche’s European managerial debut, followed by draws against other opponents before their most recent Europa League outing.
Recent Form (Last 5 matches across all competitions):
W-W-D-D-L
Home Record – The City Ground Advantage:
The City Ground has become a fortress under Dyche’s guidance. Forest fans are creating electric atmospheres that rival any in English football, and the passion following the Liverpool victory will reach fever pitch for this European encounter. The Tricky Trees have demonstrated their capability of competing with elite opposition at home, making them formidable opponents in Nottingham.
Forest secured their first Europa League victory of the campaign against Porto at the City Ground, establishing it as a venue where they can deliver results in European competition. The combination of passionate support and tactical organization makes Forest particularly dangerous on home soil.
Malmö FF – Struggling Swedish Champions Seeking Revival
Henrik Rydström’s Malmö FF present a concerning picture in European competition despite their domestic pedigree. The Swedish champions have collected just one point from four Europa League matches, leaving them in 33rd position and facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout rounds.
However, Malmö’s domestic form tells a more encouraging story. They currently sit sixth in the Allsvenskan table with 49 points from 30 matches, demonstrating competitive quality in Swedish football. Their most recent league fixture saw them secure a 2-1 victory over GAIS, with goals from Daniel Gudjohnsen and Sead Haksabanovic providing a confidence boost ahead of this challenging trip to England.
In the Europa League, Malmö have struggled to compete with the elevated quality of opposition. They have conceded seven goals while scoring just two, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities that Forest’s energized attack will look to exploit. Their only point came from a draw, while defeats have exposed their limitations at this level of competition.
Recent Form (Last 5 matches across all competitions):
W-D-W-W-L
Away Record:
Malmö’s away record represents their most significant concern. They have been unable to secure victory on the road in European competition this season, and their historical record in England suggests they struggle with the physicality and intensity of English football. The hostile atmosphere at the City Ground will test their mental resilience and tactical discipline.
Head-to-Head Record
This represents the first-ever competitive meeting between Nottingham Forest and Malmö FF, making it a historic occasion for both clubs. Neither team has any tactical blueprint or psychological advantage from previous encounters, creating genuine intrigue about how the match will unfold.
Historical Context:
While the clubs have never met competitively, both possess rich European histories. Nottingham Forest famously won the European Cup twice under Brian Clough in 1979 and 1980, establishing themselves as one of England’s most successful European clubs during that era. Malmö FF reached the European Cup final in 1979, losing to Forest’s domestic rivals.
This historical connection adds narrative depth to the fixture, though the current teams bear little resemblance to those legendary sides. For Forest, this represents an opportunity to reconnect with their European heritage, while Malmö seek to prove Swedish clubs can compete with English opposition.
Tactical Analysis
Nottingham Forest’s Approach
Sean Dyche will deploy his trademark pragmatic yet effective approach. The English manager has implemented a system that emphasizes defensive organization, physical intensity, and quick transitions into attack. Against Liverpool, Forest demonstrated tactical maturity beyond their years, pressing intelligently and exploiting space on the counter-attack.
Forest rank among the most improved teams defensively since Dyche’s appointment. Their ability to remain compact and limit opposition chances has been crucial to their recent success, and Malmö’s attacking struggles suggest Forest can dominate territorially without significant defensive concern.
Key Tactical Elements:
- Aggressive pressing to disrupt Malmö’s build-up play
- Exploiting wide areas through dynamic wing play
- Set-piece threat from corners and free-kicks
- Physical dominance in midfield duels
- Quick vertical transitions to bypass midfield
The absence of Chris Wood weakens Forest’s attacking options, but they possess sufficient quality in the squad to compensate. Morgan Gibbs-White will be crucial in creating chances, while Ibrahim Sangaré’s physical presence in midfield provides the foundation for Forest’s approach.
Malmö’s Game Plan
Henrik Rydström faces a significant tactical challenge. Malmö must balance their desperate need for points with the reality that they’re facing a confident, in-form opponent at a hostile venue. The Swedish manager will likely adopt a cautious approach, prioritizing defensive solidity while remaining alert to counter-attacking opportunities.
Malmö’s European struggles stem largely from their inability to contain superior opposition. They have conceded goals regularly and struggled to create clear-cut chances against organized defenses. Against Forest’s defensive discipline, Malmö must demonstrate creativity and composure to threaten effectively.
Key Tactical Elements:
- Compact defensive shape to limit space
- Quick transitions when winning possession
- Set-piece opportunities as potential scoring chances
- Maintaining discipline to avoid conceding early
- Utilizing pace on the counter-attack
The suspensions and injuries create additional challenges for Rydström. Missing key players forces tactical adjustments that could weaken Malmö’s already fragile European performances.
Team News and Injuries
Nottingham Forest – Several Key Absences
Nottingham Forest face several notable absences that impact squad depth and tactical flexibility. Most significantly, Chris Wood remains sidelined with injury, robbing Forest of their primary goal threat and physical presence in attack.
Confirmed Absences:
- Chris Wood (injury)
- Callum Hudson-Odoi (injury)
- Douglas Luiz (injury)
- Oleksandr Zinchenko (injury)
- Angus Gunn (injury)
- Dilane Bakwa (injury)
Positive News:
The rest of Forest’s squad appears fit and available, with the players who starred against Liverpool expected to retain their places. Morgan Gibbs-White, Ibrahim Sangaré and Elliot Anderson provide attacking quality despite Wood’s absence, while the defense remains settled after keeping a clean sheet at Anfield.
Malmö FF – Multiple Concerns
Malmö travel to Nottingham with several injury concerns affecting their squad depth. The Swedish champions must cope without key players who would strengthen their chances of securing a positive result.
Confirmed Absences:
- Arnor Sigurdsson (injury)
- Erik Botheim (injury)
- Lasse Berg Johnsen (injury)
Tactical Impact:
The absence of these players weakens Malmö’s options both defensively and offensively. Rydström must rely on available squad members to deliver performances beyond their typical level if Malmö are to compete effectively.
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
Defense: Ola Aina, Murillo, Nikola Milenković, Neco Williams
Midfield: Ibrahim Sangaré, Nicolas Domínguez
Attacking Midfield: Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi
Striker: Taiwo Awoniyi
Substitutes: Carlos Miguel, Harry Toffolo, Eric da Silva Moreira, Elliot Anderson, Ramón Sosa, Jota Silva, Emmanuel Dennis
Malmö FF (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Ricardo Friedrich
Defense: Pontus Jansson, Busanello, Colin Rösler, Gabriel Gudmundsson
Midfield: Sergio Peña, Anders Christiansen
Attacking Midfield: Oliver Berg, Sead Haksabanovic, Daniel Gudjohnsen
Striker: Isaac Kiese Thelin
Substitutes: Johan Dahlin, Otto Rosengren, Hugo Bolin, Taha Abdi Ali, Sebastian Nanasi, Zakaria Loukili
Key Players to Watch
Nottingham Forest
Morgan Gibbs-White: The English midfielder has been sensational since Dyche’s appointment, scoring in consecutive matches including the opener at Anfield. His creativity, vision and goal threat make him Forest’s most important attacking player. Gibbs-White’s ability to find space between the lines could prove decisive against Malmö’s defensive organization.
Ibrahim Sangaré: The Ivorian midfielder was outstanding against Liverpool, scoring Forest’s second goal and dominating the midfield battle. His physical presence, ball-winning abilities and surprising attacking threat make him crucial to Forest’s tactical approach. Sangaré’s performance will largely determine whether Forest control the midfield.
Elliot Anderson: The young midfielder capped Forest’s Anfield triumph with a stunning third goal, demonstrating his technical quality and composure. His energy, creativity and growing confidence make him an exciting prospect and genuine threat to Malmö’s defense.
Anthony Elanga: The Swedish winger faces his compatriots in what could be an emotional encounter. Elanga provides pace, directness and attacking quality down the flanks, making him dangerous in one-on-one situations.
Malmö FF
Isaac Kiese Thelin: The Swedish striker represents Malmö’s primary goal threat with his physical presence and clinical finishing. Kiese Thelin has scored three goals across all competitions this season and will need to deliver his best performance to trouble Forest’s organized defense.
Sead Haksabanovic: The creative midfielder scored in Malmö’s recent victory over GAIS and provides vision and technical quality in the final third. His ability to unlock defenses with passes and movement could create the rare chances Malmö will likely receive.
Pontus Jansson: The experienced Swedish defender brings leadership and organizational skills that Malmö desperately need. His aerial ability and positioning will be tested throughout the match against Forest’s attacking threats.
Sergio Peña: The Peruvian midfielder orchestrates Malmö’s play with his passing range and work rate. His ability to control tempo and provide defensive cover will be crucial in limiting Forest’s counter-attacking opportunities.
Statistical Insights
Nottingham Forest Statistics
- 5 points from four Europa League matches (1W, 2D, 1L)
- Currently 23rd in Europa League table (final playoff spot)
- Scored 6 goals, conceded 5 in Europa League
- Won 3-0 at Liverpool in most recent match
- Unbeaten in last four matches across all competitions
- Secured first Europa League win against Porto under Dyche
Malmö FF Statistics
- 1 point from four Europa League matches (0W, 1D, 3L)
- Currently 33rd in Europa League table
- Scored 2 goals, conceded 7 in Europa League
- Sixth in Allsvenskan with 49 points from 30 matches
- Won 2-1 against GAIS in most recent league match
- Won seven of their last ten domestic matches
Historical Context
- First-ever competitive meeting between the clubs
- Forest’s first Europa League campaign in 29 years
- Malmö’s 24-time Swedish champions
- Both clubs have rich European histories from different eras
Match Predictions and Betting Insights
Expert Analysis
The contrasting circumstances of both teams create a fascinating dynamic. Forest arrive riding unprecedented momentum from their Liverpool victory, while Malmö desperately need points to salvage their European campaign. The quality gap, home advantage, and form differential all point overwhelmingly toward a Forest victory.
Bookmakers have Forest as heavy favorites, with odds reflecting the hosts’ recent form and Malmö’s European struggles. The Swedish champions represent value in the draw market given their desperation, but realistically face an enormous challenge preventing Forest from securing victory.
Key Factors
- Momentum: Forest’s confidence from the Liverpool victory vs Malmö’s European struggles
- Home Advantage: The City Ground atmosphere will be electric after Anfield triumph
- Quality Gap: Forest’s Premier League quality vs Malmö’s Allsvenskan standard
- Tactical Approach: Dyche’s organized system vs Malmö’s defensive vulnerabilities
- Desperation: Both teams need points but Forest better equipped to secure them
Goals and Scoring Patterns
Expect Forest to dominate proceedings and create multiple scoring opportunities. Malmö’s defensive record in European competition suggests they will struggle to contain Forest’s energized attack, particularly with the home crowd providing additional inspiration.
Over 2.5 goals appears likely given Forest’s attacking momentum and Malmö’s defensive struggles. However, Forest’s improved defensive organization under Dyche could see them control the match without conceding, making Forest to win to nil an attractive proposition.
Both teams to score is less certain given Malmö’s attacking struggles in European competition. They have scored just two goals in four matches, suggesting Forest’s defense should cope comfortably.
Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 3-0 Malmö FF
Forest will secure a commanding victory that strengthens their playoff qualification prospects and maintains their remarkable momentum. The hosts will dominate possession, create numerous chances, and exploit Malmö’s defensive vulnerabilities to secure a comfortable triumph.
Morgan Gibbs-White should continue his excellent scoring run, while Ibrahim Sangaré’s attacking threat from midfield provides another avenue to goal. Anthony Elanga could prove decisive against his compatriots, using his pace and directness to trouble Malmö’s backline throughout.
Malmö will struggle to create clear-cut chances against Forest’s organized defense. Their European attacking record suggests they lack the quality to threaten significantly, and Forest’s confidence from the Liverpool victory will manifest in dominant control throughout the 90 minutes.
Final Verdict
Winner: Nottingham Forest (3-0)
This match represents a golden opportunity for Nottingham Forest to build on their Liverpool triumph and strengthen their Europa League qualification prospects. The combination of home advantage, superior form, and quality difference makes them overwhelming favorites to secure all three points.
Sean Dyche has transformed Forest into a disciplined, confident team capable of competing with anyone on their day. The tactical organization demonstrated at Anfield will be replicated here, with Forest’s players hungry to continue their impressive run. The City Ground atmosphere will be extraordinary following the Liverpool victory, providing additional inspiration for the home team.
Malmö FF face an enormous challenge. Their European struggles have been pronounced, and facing a confident Forest team at a hostile venue represents one of their most difficult fixtures. The Swedish champions need points desperately, but realistically lack the quality and form to threaten Forest significantly.
The absence of key players weakens Malmö further, while Forest’s squad depth and momentum provide overwhelming advantages. Henrik Rydström will organize his team to remain compact and limit the damage, but Forest’s attacking quality should prove too much to contain over 90 minutes.
For Forest, this match represents more than three Europa League points. Victory would demonstrate their European credentials and provide further evidence of the transformation under Dyche. The manager desperately wants to build momentum and establish Forest as genuine contenders for playoff qualification, making defeat unacceptable.
Final Prediction: Nottingham Forest 3-0 Malmö FF
Forest will deliver a commanding performance that delights their passionate supporters and strengthens their European ambitions. The hosts will control proceedings from start to finish, creating multiple chances and exploiting Malmö’s defensive vulnerabilities. Expect goals from Gibbs-White, Sangaré and potentially Elanga or Anderson, with Forest keeping a clean sheet to complete a professional, dominant display.
Malmö will leave Nottingham with their European campaign hanging by a thread, facing an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout rounds. Forest, meanwhile, will celebrate another memorable European night at the City Ground, continuing their remarkable journey back to continental prominence after nearly three decades away.
