Premier League Matchweek 17 | Monday, December 22, 2025 | 20:00 UTC | Craven Cottage, London
Our Fulham vs Forest prediction backs the Cottagers to extend their dominant home record in this Premier League rivalry. Just two points separate these bottom-half sides, with Fulham sitting 14th on 20 points and Forest in 16th with 18 points. A victory for either club could provide crucial breathing room above the relegation zone heading into Christmas.
Stakes and Context for This Prediction
Both clubs enter this clash weakened by Africa Cup of Nations call-ups and injuries. Fulham lost creative hub Alex Iwobi and winger Samuel Chukwueze to Nigeria duty, while defender Calvin Bassey also departed for the tournament. Forest surrendered midfield star Ibrahim Sangare and defender Willy Boly to Ivory Coast, compounding their existing injury concerns.
Fulham vs Forest Head-to-Head Record
Fulham’s Premier League record against Forest stands as their best against any opponent. The Cottagers have won five of six top-flight meetings, including all three at home by an aggregate score of 9-1. Their most recent clash at this venue finished 2-1 in February 2025, while December 2023 produced a 5-0 demolition.
Fulham’s Recent Form
In their last six matches overall, Fulham have shown inconsistency with a mix of results. Their previous league outing delivered a 3-2 away victory at Burnley, with Emile Smith Rowe, Calvin Bassey, and Harry Wilson finding the net. However, Marco Silva’s side suffered back-to-back home defeats before that win and lost 2-1 to Newcastle in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday. Wilson remains the attacking focal point with five goals and three assists this season.
Forest Form Under Dyche
Nottingham Forest have transformed under Sean Dyche, winning four of their last six Premier League matches after managing just three wins in their previous 18 league games. Their most recent outing produced a commanding 3-0 home victory over Tottenham, with Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring twice and Sangare adding a goal and two assists. Forest have scored three or more goals in three of eight league games under Dyche.
Styles and Tactical Outlook
Both sides average around 51% possession and similar pass accuracy figures. Fulham generate 1.32 expected goals per match while Forest create 1.13. The key tactical battle centers on whether Forest can overcome their psychological block at Craven Cottage, especially with Sangare now unavailable after his match-winning display against Spurs. Fulham’s set-piece threat could prove decisive, having scored seven goals from corners this season.
Team News
Fulham: Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz remain sidelined through injury. Iwobi, Bassey, and Chukwueze have departed for AFCON. Sasa Lukic is doubtful after midweek action.
Forest: Chris Wood, Ryan Yates, and Ola Aina are injured. Sangare and Boly are at AFCON. Matz Sels and Nicolas Dominguez face late fitness tests.
Numbers to Watch
- Fulham have won all three Premier League home meetings against Forest (9-1 aggregate)
- Forest are unbeaten in seven Monday Premier League fixtures
- Four of the last six H2H meetings produced three or more goals
- Wilson has contributed to six goals in his last four league appearances
Fulham vs Forest Prediction and Betting Tips
The probability models favor Fulham at 49% for a home win, with the draw at 27% and Forest victory at 24%. Goal distribution suggests a 47% chance of 2-3 total goals, making a moderate-scoring affair most likely. Given Fulham’s dominant home record in this fixture and Forest’s away vulnerabilities despite their recent revival, a 2-1 home winrepresents the most probable outcome. The Over 2.5 goals market offers value at near coin-flip odds.
For a deeper breakdown of odds movement, model picks, and updated numbers after lineups drop, visit: https://polyinsights.info/
Where to Watch
The match broadcasts live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR in the UK at 20:00 UTC.
