Nottingham Forest are still searching for their first win under Ange Postecoglou as they prepare to take on Midtjylland at the City Ground in the second round of fixtures of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) league phase on Thursday night. The Tricky Trees were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland in the Premier League last time out.
Meanwhile, Midtjylland won a fourth game in a row in all competitions as they beat Randers 2-1 on home soil in the Danish top flight. However, facing Premier League opposition is a whole different level for the Danes.
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Nottingham Forest vs Midtjylland prediction: Postecoglou's first three points?
Key stats
- Only one of Forest's five games under Postecoglou so far has been at home.
- Midtjylland lost 1-0 in their last away league match to Nordsjaelland.
- Forest's five matches under Postecoglou have produced 15 goals in total.
Correct score prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Midtjylland
Given the level of opposition in comparison, we are expecting Postecoglou to finally earn his first win as Forest head coach here. However, it will certainly not be easy for them, as Midtjylland are in good form domestically.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Forest big favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 1/2 (1.50) – 66.7%
- DRAW: 17/5 (4.40) – 22.7%
- AWAY: 5/1 (6.00) – 16.7%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Forest are unsurprisingly the big favourites with bookmakers to claim all three points on home soil. A draw is rated 6% above a shock Midtjylland victory on their travels.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page, as well as our Europa League predictions & betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting between two sides
Thursday night will present the first-ever meeting between the two sides. It will no doubt be interesting to see just how they face up against each other.
Nottingham Forest preview: Triple injury blow
Forest will be without the services of Douglas Luiz, Murillo and Ola Aina through injury. Otherwise, Postecoglou has the rest of his squad to choose from.
Predicted lineup: Sels (GK); Williams, Milenkovic, Morato, Zinchenko; Yates, Anderson; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi & Jesus
Last five results:
- Nottingham Forest 0-1 Sunderland
- Real Betis 2-2 Nottingham Forest
- Burnley 1-1 Nottingham Forest
- Swansea 3-2 Nottingham Forest
- Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Midtjylland preview: Also three absentees
Like their opponents, Midtjylland will be missing a trio of players through injury. Dario Osorio, Mikel Gogorza and Ovie Ejeheri are all on the sidelines for the visitors.
Predicted lineup: Olafsson (GK); Diao, Erlic, Sorensen; Mbabu, Castillo, Billing, Simsir, Jensen; Cho & Brumado
Last five results:
- Midtjylland 2-1 Randers
- Midtjylland 2-0 Sturm Graz
- Midtjylland 2-0 Viborg
- Aalborg 0-3 Midtjylland
- Nordsjaelland 1-0 Midtjylland
Player to watch: Igor Jesus
Igor Jesus should be given another chance to impress from the start for Forest in the UEL, after his brace earned the Tricky Trees a point in a 2-2 draw at La Liga side Real Betis on matchday one. The Brazilian forward is certainly a handful for defenders, and Midtjylland will not want to be beaten by his pace and trickery in the box.