Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur Match Preview | Premier League 2025/26
Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur
Competition: English Premier League – Matchday 16
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Kick-off Time: 2:00 PM GMT (9:00 AM ET / 3:00 PM CET)
Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
Referee: TBC
Match Overview
Nottingham Forest welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the historic City Ground on Sunday afternoon in what promises to be a fascinating Premier League encounter between two teams with contrasting fortunes and recent history. The Tricky Trees sit impressively in 3rd position, continuing their remarkable Champions League qualification push, while Spurs languish in 16th place in one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory. This fixture carries enormous psychological significance – Forest completed a league double over Tottenham last season for the first time since 1996/97, including a memorable 2-1 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April 2025. Nuno Espírito Santo faces his former employers in what has become one of the Premier League’s most intriguing fixtures.
Current Form & League Standings
Nottingham Forest (Home Team)
Nottingham Forest are enjoying their most successful top-flight campaign in decades, currently sitting in an extraordinary 3rd position with 60 points from 33 matches (18 wins, 6 draws, 9 losses). This represents a 55% win rate and places them firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification – a dream scenario for a club that returned to the Premier League just a few seasons ago.
The Tricky Trees have been one of the season’s biggest surprises, combining defensive solidity with clinical finishing. Chris Wood has been sensational with 19 Premier League goals this season, establishing himself as one of the league’s most prolific strikers. Under Nuno Espírito Santo’s pragmatic guidance, Forest have proven they can compete with anyone.
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):
- Won 2-1 at Tottenham (April 21, 2025) – completed league double
- Lost previous two matches before Spurs victory
- Generally strong home performances at City Ground
- Currently in Champions League qualification zone (3rd place)
- 60 points from 33 matches – remarkable achievement
Home Record:
Forest’s home form shows 4 wins and 4 draws from their home fixtures, making the City Ground a formidable venue. The passionate atmosphere created by their supporters has been instrumental in their success, with opponents finding it difficult to leave Nottingham with points.
Key Stats:
- 19 Premier League goals for Chris Wood (extraordinary season)
- Currently 3rd in Premier League table with 60 points
- Completed league double over Spurs for first time since 1996/97
- Eight Premier League victories against Tottenham (only beaten Southampton more)
- Strong defensive organization under Nuno
Tottenham Hotspur (Away Team)
Tottenham Hotspur are experiencing their worst Premier League campaign in modern history, currently languishing in 16th position with just 37 points from 33 matches – only one point above 17th-placed West Ham United. This represents a catastrophic collapse for a club with top-four aspirations and Champions League football expectations.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have endured a nightmare season characterized by defensive fragilities, inconsistent performances, and an alarming inability to win matches despite often dominating possession and chances. They’ve lost 18 league games this season – a staggering number that has left them fighting to avoid relegation rather than pursuing European football.
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):
- Lost 2-1 at home to Forest (April 21) – fourth defeat in five
- Lost 11 times when scoring this season (extraordinary negative record)
- Europa League semifinalists (only positive this season)
- 37 points from 33 matches – worst season since 1997-98
- Four defeats in last five Premier League games
Away Record:
Tottenham’s away form has been particularly woeful with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses on the road this season. They’ve struggled defensively away from home, conceding freely and failing to protect leads even when creating chances.
Key Stats:
- 37 points from 33 matches (16th position) – disaster season
- Only one point above relegation zone (17th-placed West Ham)
- Lost 18 league games this season
- Lost 11 times this season when scoring (unprecedented)
- Haven’t won at Forest since 1997 in Premier League
- 70% possession average but cannot convert dominance to wins
Head-to-Head Record
The historical record favors Tottenham with 59 wins from 125 meetings compared to Forest’s 37 victories, with 29 draws. However, recent encounters tell a dramatically different story, with Forest completing a league double over Spurs last season for the first time since 1996/97.
Recent Meetings:
- April 21, 2025: Tottenham 1-2 Nottingham Forest (Anderson, Wood; Richarlison)
- December 26, 2024: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Tottenham (Boxing Day)
- April 7, 2024: Tottenham 3-1 Nottingham Forest
- December 15, 2023: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Tottenham
Key Stats:
- Forest completed league double over Spurs in 2024/25 for first time since 1996/97
- Forest won both meetings in 2024/25 season (1-0 and 2-1)
- Forest have eight Premier League victories against Spurs – only beaten Southampton (9) more
- Spurs haven’t won at City Ground since 1997 in Premier League
- Last six meetings featured 18 total goals (average 3.0 per game)
- Forest’s first-half goals have been decisive in recent wins
Team News & Injuries
Nottingham Forest
Confirmed Out:
- Danilo (ankle injury – long-term)
- Ibrahim Sangare (hamstring – recurring issue)
- Nicolas Domínguez (suspension in previous match, now available)
Doubtful:
- Minor fitness concerns being assessed
Available:
- Matz Sels (goalkeeper – crucial performer)
- Neco Williams (defender)
- Nikola Milenković (defender – solid presence)
- Murillo (defender – excellent season)
- Harry Toffolo (defender – made goal-line clearance vs Spurs)
- Ryan Yates (midfielder)
- Elliot Anderson (midfielder – 5 goals, scored vs Spurs)
- Anthony Elanga (winger – provided assists)
- Callum Hudson-Odoi (attacking midfielder)
- Morgan Gibbs-White (attacking midfielder – creative force)
- Chris Wood (striker – 19 PL goals, sensational season)
- Taiwo Awoniyi (striker – backup option)
Manager Status: Nuno Espírito Santo available on touchline (facing former club)
Key Notes: Forest are relatively healthy with only long-term absentees Danilo and Sangare unavailable. Wood’s goalscoring form (19 goals) makes him one of the league’s most dangerous strikers. Anderson’s recent performances have been excellent, including his goal against Spurs in April.
Tottenham Hotspur
Confirmed Out:
- Guglielmo Vicario (ankle injury – long-term, Fraser Forster deputizing)
- Cristian Romero (thigh injury – major defensive absence)
- Micky van de Ven (thigh injury – defensive crisis)
- Ben Davies (hamstring – recovering)
- Wilson Odobert (hamstring – out)
- Mikey Moore (illness – unavailable)
- Richarlison (hamstring – fitness concern)
Doubtful:
- Destiny Udogie (fitness test)
- Various minor knocks being managed
Key Players Available:
- Fraser Forster (goalkeeper – deputizing for Vicario)
- Pedro Porro (defender – attacking outlet)
- Djed Spence (defender)
- Rodrigo Bentancur (midfielder – returned from suspension)
- Pape Matar Sarr (midfielder)
- Dejan Kulusevski (forward – key player)
- Son Heung-min (forward – captain, experienced)
- Brennan Johnson (forward – 11 PL goals)
- Dominic Solanke (striker)
- Lucas Bergvall (midfielder – young talent)
- James Maddison (attacking midfielder – creative force)
Manager Status: Ange Postecoglou available but under enormous pressure
Key Notes: Tottenham’s defensive injury crisis continues with both first-choice center-backs (Romero and van de Ven) unavailable. Vicario’s absence forces Forster into goal. Despite these issues, Spurs maintain attacking quality through Son, Kulusevski, and Johnson. Postecoglou’s job security depends on avoiding relegation.
Tactical Analysis
Nottingham Forest’s Approach
Nuno Espírito Santo has implemented a pragmatic 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes defensive solidity, compact shape, and devastating counter-attacks. Forest are masters of absorbing pressure and striking decisively when opponents overcommit.
Key Tactical Points:
- Compact 4-2-3-1 defensive shape
- Deep defensive block limiting space
- Quick transitions through pace
- Wood as target man for direct play
- Wide attackers (Elanga, Hudson-Odoi) providing width
- Set-piece threat from corners and free-kicks
Strengths:
- Exceptional defensive organization under Nuno
- Chris Wood’s aerial dominance and finishing (19 goals)
- Counter-attacking efficiency and pace
- Strong set-piece delivery
- City Ground atmosphere intimidating opponents
- Recent psychological advantage over Spurs (won both matches)
- Champions League qualification motivation
Weaknesses:
- Missing Danilo’s midfield presence
- Can concede possession for long periods
- Limited squad depth for prolonged campaigns
- Vulnerability when forced to defend deep for 90 minutes
- Recent two-match losing streak before Spurs victory
Tottenham Hotspur’s Approach
Ange Postecoglou maintains his attacking philosophy despite catastrophic results. Spurs deploy a high-line 4-3-3 formation emphasizing possession, aggressive pressing, and attacking full-backs. However, defensive vulnerabilities have cost them repeatedly.
Key Tactical Points:
- High defensive line (often exploited)
- Dominant possession (70% average)
- Aggressive pressing in opponent’s half
- Attacking full-backs pushing high
- Central midfield control
- Wide forwards cutting inside
Strengths:
- Attacking quality (Son, Kulusevski, Johnson)
- Possession dominance (70% typical)
- Chance creation (22 shots vs Forest in April)
- Technical superiority in midfield
- Bentancur’s return adds defensive solidity
- Europa League semifinal run shows quality
Weaknesses:
- Catastrophic defensive record (conceded freely all season)
- High-line repeatedly exploited by pace
- Cannot convert possession/chances to results
- Lost 11 times this season when scoring (unprecedented)
- Defensive injury crisis (Romero, van de Ven, Vicario out)
- Psychological fragility after early setbacks
- Postecoglou’s tactical inflexibility
- Relegation battle mentality affecting confidence
Key Battles
Chris Wood vs Tottenham’s Makeshift Defense
This matchup could define the fixture. Wood arrives as one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers with 19 goals, including strikes against Liverpool, Manchester United, and Brighton (three times). Facing Tottenham’s makeshift defense without Romero and van de Ven, Wood will relish the aerial duels and physical battles. His movement exploits high defensive lines perfectly – exactly what Postecoglou employs. Spurs’ defensive fragility all season suggests Wood will create and convert chances.
Morgan Gibbs-White vs Tottenham’s Midfield
Forest’s creative playmaker must orchestrate counter-attacks and find Wood with quality delivery. Gibbs-White’s vision, passing, and work rate will test Tottenham’s midfield control. Bentancur’s return adds defensive solidity for Spurs, but Gibbs-White’s ability to find space between lines and launch quick transitions could be decisive.
Son Heung-min & Kulusevski vs Forest’s Defense
Despite Tottenham’s struggles, Son and Kulusevski maintain world-class quality. Son has been involved in 11 goals in his last 12 Premier League home games, though this is an away fixture. Kulusevski’s technical ability and movement can unlock organized defenses. Forest must remain disciplined and avoid giving them space, but their quality means even one lapse could prove costly.
Set-Pieces: Forest’s Delivery vs Spurs’ Aerial Vulnerability
Set-pieces could be decisive given Tottenham’s defensive injury crisis and Forest’s proficiency from dead balls. Wood’s aerial dominance, combined with quality delivery from corners and free-kicks, provides Forest with a significant weapon. Spurs must defend these situations perfectly or risk conceding crucial goals.
What The Managers Said
Nuno Espírito Santo (Nottingham Forest): “We embrace the challenge and want to compete. We have a clear way to play and find ourselves in our identity. Tottenham are a big club with quality players, but we’ve shown we can compete with them. The City Ground will be special, and we must use that energy. Champions League qualification is within reach, and every game is vital.”
Ange Postecoglou (Tottenham Hotspur): “Motivation is not an issue, but a lack of focus is. We dominated the last game against Forest – 70% possession, 22 shots – but lost 2-1. That’s been our season. We need to concentrate for 90 minutes and convert our dominance into results. The situation is difficult, but we have quality and must fight.”
Statistical Insights
Nottingham Forest Statistics:
- Currently 3rd in Premier League with 60 points (33 matches)
- Chris Wood has 19 Premier League goals (3rd overall)
- Won both meetings against Spurs in 2024/25 season
- Eight Premier League victories against Tottenham overall
- Strong home performances at City Ground
- Champions League qualification within reach
Tottenham Hotspur Statistics:
- Currently 16th in Premier League with 37 points (33 matches)
- Only one point above 17th-placed West Ham (relegation battle)
- Lost 18 league games this season (catastrophic)
- Lost 11 times when scoring (unprecedented negative record)
- Average 70% possession but cannot win
- 22 shots vs Forest in April but lost 2-1
- Haven’t won at Forest since 1997 in Premier League
Betting Insights:
- Forest favorites at around 2.30 (13/10)
- Tottenham at 2.80 (9/5) despite quality
- Draw at 3.40 (12/5)
- Both teams to score likely given recent history
- Over 2.5 goals at 1.85 (17/20) – high-scoring history
Where to Watch
United Kingdom:
- Sky Sports Premier League
- Sky Sports Main Event
- NOW TV
- Sky Go App
United States:
- Peacock Premium
- NBC Sports
- USA Network
Nigeria:
- SuperSport Premier League
- DStv
- StarTimes
Streaming:
Available via respective broadcaster apps and streaming platforms
Match Predictions & Betting Tips
Form Analysis
This fixture presents a fascinating contrast between a team exceeding all expectations and one experiencing catastrophic failure. Forest’s 3rd-place position with 60 points represents their best season in decades, while Tottenham’s 16th-place position with 37 points represents one of the worst seasons in Premier League history for a supposed “big six” club.
The psychological factor cannot be overstated. Forest completed a league double over Spurs last season for the first time since 1996/97, winning 1-0 at the City Ground in December and 2-1 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April. These victories demonstrated Forest can exploit Spurs’ defensive vulnerabilities and withstand their possession dominance.
Tottenham’s statistics are damning: 70% possession average but 16th in the table, 22 shots against Forest in April but lost 2-1, and lost 11 times this season when scoring. This unprecedented negative record suggests deep-rooted problems beyond tactics – mentality, confidence, and defensive organization are fundamentally broken.
Forest’s approach is clear: defend deep, stay compact, absorb Spurs’ possession, and strike on counter-attacks through Wood’s aerial prowess and pace on the wings. The City Ground atmosphere will be electric, with Champions League qualification motivating extraordinary effort.
Tottenham must win to avoid relegation danger, but their makeshift defense (no Romero, van de Ven, or Vicario) faces Forest’s most potent weapon in Wood (19 goals). Postecoglou’s high-line philosophy has been exploited repeatedly, and Forest possess exactly the counter-attacking pace and directness to punish it.
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1):
Sels; Williams, Milenković, Murillo, Toffolo; Yates, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3):
Forster; Porro, Spence, Dragusin, Udogie; Bentancur, Sarr, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Son
Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Reasoning:
Forest’s recent success against Tottenham is no fluke – they’ve identified and exploited Spurs’ systemic defensive weaknesses. With Champions League qualification at stake and the psychological advantage of completing last season’s double, Forest will approach with confidence and clear tactical plan.
Chris Wood will be the difference-maker. Facing Spurs’ makeshift defense without Romero and van de Ven, Wood’s aerial dominance and positioning will create and convert chances. His 19 Premier League goals this season demonstrate elite finishing, and he scored against Spurs in April. Expect him to score again.
Tottenham will dominate possession (65-70%), create numerous chances (15+ shots), and control territory, but their inability to convert dominance into results will frustrate them again. Their high defensive line will be exploited by Forest’s pace on counter-attacks, particularly through Elanga and Hudson-Odoi’s width.
Forest will score early – as they did in April (5th and 16th minutes) – capitalizing on Spurs’ slow starts and defensive disorganization. The City Ground atmosphere will intimidate Tottenham, who’ve shown mental fragility all season. Once ahead, Forest will defend deep and strike on breaks.
Spurs will score through individual quality (Son or Kulusevski), creating hope of a comeback. However, Forest’s defensive organization under Nuno and desperation to protect their Champions League position will see them hold firm. Sels made crucial saves in April and will do so again.
The psychological factors are decisive: Forest have the confidence from recent victories, home advantage, and Champions League dreams; Spurs carry the weight of catastrophic failure, defensive injuries, and relegation fears. Forest’s pragmatism will overcome Spurs’ possession dominance once more.
Alternative Scorelines:
- Nottingham Forest 1-0 Tottenham (30% probability)
- Nottingham Forest 3-1 Tottenham (20% probability)
- Nottingham Forest 2-2 Tottenham (15% probability)
Betting Tips
Recommended Bets:
- Nottingham Forest to Win – Strong value at 2.30 (13/10) – Recent dominance and home advantage
- Chris Wood Anytime Goalscorer – Excellent odds at 2.75 (7/4) – 19 PL goals, scored vs Spurs in April
- Both Teams To Score – Good value at 1.65 (13/20) – Both scored in recent meetings
- Over 2.5 Goals – Attractive at 1.85 (17/20) – High-scoring history between teams
- Forest to Win & Over 1.5 Goals – Combined bet at 3.50 (5/2)
Anytime Goalscorer Picks:
- Chris Wood – 2.75 (7/4) – Outstanding value, top pick
- Elliot Anderson – 4.50 (7/2) – Scored vs Spurs in April
- Son Heung-min – 2.60 (8/5) – Quality despite team struggles
- Brennan Johnson – 3.25 (9/4) – 11 PL goals this season
Longshots:
- Correct Score: Forest 2-1 – 10.00 (9/1)
- Wood to score first – 5.00 (4/1)
- Forest to win both halves – 5.50 (9/2)
- Wood to score 2+ goals – 8.00 (7/1)
Final Verdict
This match represents a pivotal moment for both clubs’ contrasting seasons. Nottingham Forest seek to consolidate their remarkable Champions League qualification push, sitting 3rd with 60 points and firmly in the race for Europe’s elite competition. Every point is precious as they compete against traditional powerhouses for a top-four finish.
For Tottenham Hotspur, this fixture represents existential crisis. Languishing in 16th position with just 37 points – one above 17th-placed West Ham – they face genuine relegation danger. This is unthinkable for a club of Tottenham’s stature and resources, yet the statistical evidence is damning: 18 league defeats, lost 11 times when scoring, and catastrophic defensive performances throughout the season.
The tactical battle fascinates because it pits Forest’s pragmatic counter-attacking against Spurs’ possession-dominant but defensively vulnerable approach. Forest have proven twice already this season they can exploit Spurs’ high defensive line through Chris Wood’s aerial prowess and quick transitions. The absence of Romero, van de Ven, and Vicario leaves Spurs even more exposed.
The psychological dimension is crucial. Forest completed a league double over Spurs last season for the first time since 1996/97, winning 1-0 in December and 2-1 in April. These victories weren’t flukes – Forest identified systemic weaknesses and exploited them clinically. The confidence from these results, combined with Champions League aspirations and the City Ground atmosphere, creates perfect conditions for another upset.
Tottenham’s season has been defined by dominating possession and chances but failing to convert them into wins. In April, they had 70% possession and 22 shots but lost 2-1. This pattern has repeated throughout their nightmare campaign: technical superiority means nothing when defensive organization collapses and mentality crumbles under pressure.
Chris Wood will be the difference. His 19 Premier League goals place him third overall in the golden boot race, and he scored against Spurs in April. Facing a makeshift defense without two first-choice center-backs and regular goalkeeper, Wood will relish the aerial duels and exploit space behind the high line. Forest’s tactical plan will center on feeding him crosses and direct passes.
Nuno Espírito Santo faces his former employers with perfect preparation: two victories from two meetings, intimate knowledge of Spurs’ weaknesses, and a squad full of confidence and belief. His tactical discipline and defensive organization will frustrate Tottenham’s attacking quality while his counter-attacking plan exploits their defensive fragility.
Postecoglou’s job security depends on avoiding relegation, yet his tactical inflexibility continues to cost Tottenham. The high defensive line has been exploited repeatedly all season, yet he refuses to adapt. Against Forest’s counter-attacking pace and directness, this stubbornness will prove costly again.
Expect Forest to score early through set-pieces or counter-attacks, defend deep and compact, absorb Spurs’ possession pressure, and strike again on the break. Spurs will dominate territory and chances but lack the defensive solidity and mental resilience to overcome Forest’s organization and determination.
Final Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Nottingham Forest will complete another memorable victory over Tottenham, securing crucial three points that maintain their Champions League qualification challenge. Chris Wood will be the hero with at least one goal, Forest’s defensive organization will frustrate Spurs’ attacking quality, and the City Ground atmosphere will inspire another giant-killing performance. Tottenham’s nightmare season continues as their defensive weaknesses and mental fragility are exposed once more. Forest’s pragmatic efficiency overcomes Spurs’ possession dominance, just as it did twice last season. Nuno Espírito Santo celebrates another victory over his former employers while Ange Postecoglou’s job security deteriorates further. The Tricky Trees continue their fairytale season while Tottenham’s catastrophic campaign plumbs new depths.
