Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth
Premier League
Saturday
23rd December 2023
The City Ground
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Premier League fixture between Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.
Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth: Preview
Nottingham Forest form analysis
Forest have struggled for form in recent Premier League matches, suffering three defeats and one draw in their last four outings. Against Brighton on 25th November, Forest took an early lead through Amadou Traore but conceded three times in the first half to go in at the break 3-1 down, despite pulling a goal back from the penalty spot later on. Their next match saw them fail to score at all, falling 1-0 at home to Everton thanks to a second half strike from Dwight McNeil. Things got even worse in their following game as they were thrashed 5-0 away to Fulham in a ruthless attacking display by the Cottagers.
Forest stopped the rot last time out as they grabbed a point at home against Wolves thanks to Harry Toffolo’s opener being cancelled out by Matheus Cunha, but they were behind for most of that match too. Most recently, Forest were comfortably beaten 2-0 at home by Tottenham, with second half goals from Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski inflicting another loss. Overall, Forest’s poor form has seen them ship 13 goals in 4 games while only scoring 3 times, leaving them just one point above the relegation zone ahead of a crucial festive period. Regaining defensive solidity and a cutting edge in attack will be key if they are to pull away from trouble.
Bournemouth form analysis
AFC Bournemouth have shown promising form in recent Premier League matches, with two wins, a draw and just one defeat from their last four games. Against Sheffield United on 25th November, the Cherries earned an impressive 3-1 away victory thanks to a brace from Marcus Tavernier and a goal from Arnaut Danjuma. They then faced Aston Villa at home and twice took the lead through Antoine Semenyo and Dominic Solanke, only to be pegged back on both occasions in a 2-2 draw. Bournemouth quickly returned to winning ways with a clinical 2-0 triumph away at Crystal Palace, sealed by second half strikes from Marcos Senesi and Kieffer Moore.
Most recently, the Cherries produced their best performance of this run to stun Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford. Dominic Solanke opened the scoring early on before Philip Billing and Senesi extended the visitors’ advantage in the second half. With three wins and a draw from their last four, along with nine goals scored and only three conceded, Bournemouth are showing the kind of form needed to pull further away from the threat of relegation. Building on these recent positive results could be crucial for their hopes of avoiding an immediate return to the Championship.
