Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Preview: Tactical Battle as Spurs Chase Europe

Nottingham Forest have won three and lost two of their last five league matches, compared to Tottenham’s record of one win, two draws, and two defeats over the same period. Forest therefore come into this fixture with the stronger recent league form and will look to use home advantage to their benefit. Tottenham currently sit 11th in the table and are pushing toward the Europa League places, while Nottingham Forest are aiming to climb further away from the relegation zone.

Since Sean Dyche’s appointment, Nottingham Forest have adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation and play a far more direct style of football than they did under Ange Postecoglou or Nuno Espírito Santo. Forest now favour quicker progression up the pitch, with 18.6% of their passes played long, a significant increase from 8.8% last season. This reflects Dyche’s preference for getting the ball into the opposition half as quickly as possible to initiate attacks.

Out of possession, Forest typically defend in a narrow 4-4-2 shape. They operate in a mid-block and look to press aggressively at key moments, aiming to regain the ball higher up the pitch and transition quickly into attack.

Tottenham, by contrast, prefer to attack through wide areas, using their full-backs and wingers to stretch the pitch. This creates space for overlaps and underlaps, which are key to their chance creation. Thomas Frank also places heavy emphasis on pressing, describing it as an “attacking action” designed to win the ball back in the opponent’s half. For Tottenham to be successful in this match, their press will need to be well coordinated, ensuring they do not leave gaps for Forest to exploit in transition.

Historically, Tottenham have had the upper hand in this fixture. In their last ten league meetings, Spurs have won seven times, while Nottingham Forest have won three, with no draws between the two sides.

Key Players to Watch

Xavi Simons (Tottenham)

A big-money summer signing and Tottenham’s Man of the Match in their recent home win over Brentford. Simons is growing into his role and will be eager to add goals and assists to his tally.

Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)

Forest’s captain and creative focal point. In 15 league appearances, he has scored three goals and registered one assist. Capable of influencing games with his versatility, Gibbs-White will be crucial if Forest are to avoid a relegation battle.

Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest)

Came off the bench to score the winner against Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek. A tenacious forward with a keen eye for goal, he could play an important role in this fixture.

While Sean Dyche will have been disappointed with the recent defeat to Everton, he will expect a more competitive performance at home. Tottenham, however, will look to build on their victory over Brentford and know that results like this are vital if they are to secure European qualification. Spurs have enough quality to edge this contest, but they will need to press effectively and be clinical in front of goal.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1–2 Tottenham