Amid lots of speculation and constant transfer rumours, Oliver Glasner takes his squad up to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest with whom there has been a somewhat forced rivalry since the events of the summer.
The pre-match press conference got off to a flying start with Glasner stating that top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta is not is the squad for no other reason that ‘he is not in the right place‘.
It remains to be seen whether the Frenchman will follow captain Marc Guehi out of the door this month with reports linking him with Juventus, Milan, and our opponents this weekend.
The rumours are not just one way however, with Palace being strongly linked with Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen as well as a loan deal for Villa attacker Evann Guessand.
None of that is good preparation for the important game this weekend as the Austrian will be aiming to end the disappointing run of 11 games without a win in all competitions.
In terms of personnel for the game, Daichi Kamada is back in training but will not feature this weekend, while Borna Sosa, Justin Devenny, and Christanus Uche are expected to miss out along with Mateta. This leaves Glasner a little short on numbers but Nathaniel Clyne will return to the squad.
That news strengthens the argument that new faces need to arrive with only Brennan Johnson being the addition so far this month. Danny Imray recalled from his loan stint at Blackpool has gone on loan to Championship side West Bromwich Albion when he could have been on the fringes of the first team had he remained in South London.
It just goes to show that there will be new faces arriving before the window closes at 7pm on Monday but first things first, an important game against a side that managed a very good Europa League win on Thursday night off the back of finding some form in the league.
Meanwhile, the Eagles have a European date to look forward to with tickets having gone on sale this week for the two legged match up with Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar next month.
🔍 Match Preview
Date: Sunday 1 February 2026
Kick‑off: 14:00 GMT
Venue: The City Ground, Nottingham
This clash brings together two teams hovering near the bottom of the Premier League table in what could be a significant fixture in the relegation battle. Forest sit just above the drop zone, while Palace’s form has collapsed in recent months.
📊 Tactical Overview
Nottingham Forest (Sean Dyche)
- Dyche has implemented a disciplined 4‑4‑2, prioritising a compact defensive block and structured aggression.
- Forest remain hard to break down, but their attacking consistency fluctuates.
- Their home form at the City Ground remains a key asset.
Crystal Palace (Oliver Glasner)
- Glasner uses a 3‑4‑2‑1 system built on mobility, rotation, and effective pressing.
- Palace try to dominate transitions, using pace and coordinated movement.
- Despite tactical ambition, recent form has dipped sharply.
📉 Recent Form
Nottingham Forest
- Last 5 matches: 2W, 1D, 2L
- Still searching for rhythm but more stable defensively under Dyche.
Crystal Palace
- Last 5 matches: 0W, 1D, 4L in all competitions (including defeats versus Chelsea and Sunderland)
- No league win since early December. Transfer rumblings and injuries have disrupted momentum.
📋 Team News & Lineups
Likely Nottingham Forest XI (4-2-3-1)
Sels; Aina, Milenković, Murillo, Williams; Sangaré, Anderson; Hudson‑Odoi, Gibbs‑White, Domínguez; I. Jesus
Key Absences:
- Chris Wood (out)
- Daichi Kamada (out)
- John Victor (doubtful)
Likely Crystal Palace XI (3-4-2-1)
Henderson; Lacroix, Richards, Muñoz; Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell, Sarr; Johnson, Mateta
Key Absences:
- Eddie Nketiah (out)
- Adam Wharton (suspended)
- Cheick Doucouré (out)
- Nathaniel Clyne (doubtful)
⚔️ Head‑to‑Head Notes
- The last 7 meetings: 5 draws, 2 narrow Forest home wins.
- Historically, margins between these sides are very tight.
In the league standings:
- Forest: 17th
- Palace: 15th
📈 Prediction Models & Odds
Predicted Match Outcome
- Most likely score: 1–0 Forest
- Home win probability: 41.4%
- Draw: 24.3%
- Away win: 29.6%
Betting Tips Today statistical model:
- Predicts 3–1 Forest
- Suggests Over 2.5 goals
- Both teams likely to score
🎯 Key Storylines to Watch
- Palace’s collapse in form: no league win in nearly two months. Glasner’s criticism of the squad and key departures (e.g. Marc Guehi) have destabilised the team.
- Forest’s defensive organisation: Improved solidity makes them favourites at home.
- Attacking reliability: Both teams struggle for goals — whoever takes chances efficiently may edge it.
- High‑stakes context: A classic relegation six‑pointer, with both sides desperate for breathing room.
Officials
- Referee: Michael Salisbury
- Assistants: Marc Perry, Alistair Nelson
- Fourth official: James Linnington
- VAR: Tony Harrington
- Assistant VAR: Dan Tobathan
📺 How to Watch
- TV: Sky Sports+ (from 13:55)
- Streaming: Sky Go; NOW Sports passes also available
