Nottingham Forest will host Porto in the next round of the Europa League on Thursday, 23 October.
Can the hosts end their poor run of form as Sean Dyche debuts on their bench or will Porto keep their hot run of form going in England as well?
Read our Nottingham Forest vs Porto prediction and preview to find out, but remember to also check out some of our other Europa League predictions.
Contents
Nottingham Forest vs Porto prediction: Another disappointment for Forest
Key Stats
- Nottingham Forest are winless in 10 games in a row and they've lost their last four matches across the board.
- Both teams have scored in four of the last seven games played by the hosts.
- While Porto's defence has been great this season, they did concede one goal in two Europa League games so far.
Correct score prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-3 Porto
While Nottingham Forest will likely experience a boost after getting a new manager, they have been struggling this entire season and we don't see that changing against a team that only failed to win one game since the season began.
With that in mind, we expect Porto to get all three points from this match, likely after scoring multiple goals.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies expect a close game
- HOME: 7/5 (2.40) – 41.70%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.40%
- AWAY: 9/5 (2.80) – 35.70%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Looking at these Nottingham Forest vs Porto odds, we can see that the hosts are the expected winners by the slimmest of margins. Given the performances from both teams since the season started, that is a bit of a surprise.
In any case, if you liked our predictions for this game, remember to also check our betting tips for today.
Most recent H2Hs: Second meeting ever
These two teams have never met before. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have only played a Portuguese team once in their history, which was a draw in a friendly game against Estoril this summer.
On the other hand, Porto have played English teams many times before, with a record of 12 wins, 13 draws, and 28 losses.
Nottingham Forest preview: Can Dyche turn things around?
After sacking Nuno Espirito Santo before the season started despite amazing results he had with the club, a lot of Forest's fans expressed worry about the move and they were quickly proven right since the club notched just one win in all competitions since the season started under Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian manager was quickly fired as well, after just 39 days in charge, which is the new record for the Premier League. Sean Dyche was appointed in his place and he'll try to save Forest's season, starting with their next game against Porto.
Meanwhile, Ola Aina is the only player on Nottingham Forest's injury list ahead of this match.
Predicted lineup: Alvarez (GK), Borra, Olivera, Llovera, Garcia, San Nicolas, Rodrigo, M. Vales, Teixeira, Cervos & Rosas
Last five matches
- Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea (Premier League)
- Newcastle 2-0 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
- Nottingham Forest 2-3 Midtjylland (Europa League)
- Nottingham Forest 0-1 Sunderland (Premier League)
- Real Betis 2-2 Nottingham Forest (Europa League)
Porto preview: In great form ahead of their trip to England
After the first two Europa League rounds, only seven teams have recorded both wins and Porto are one of them. They are also doing amazing in Primeira Liga where they sit atop the standings with seven wins and one draw after the first eight rounds. All in all, Porto have been great so far and they'll be hoping to keep that run going against Nottingham Forest too.
Luuk de Jong and Nehuen Perez remain out of contention with ligament injuries.
Predicted lineup: D. Costa (GK), A .Costa, Bednarek, Kiwior, Moura, Froholdt, Varela, Veiga, Pepe, Samu & Sainz
Last five matches
- Celoricense 0-4 Porto (Taca de Portugal)
- Porto 0-0 Benfica (Primeira Liga)
- Porto 2-1 Red Star Belgrade (Europa Liga)
- Arouca 0-4 Porto (Primeira Liga)
- Salzburg 0-1 Porto (Europa Liga)
Player to watch: Samu Aghehowa Omorodion
Just like last season, Omorodion has been Porto's top scorer this season so far with five goals in the Portuguese championship. However, the young forward has yet to score in the Europa League, although he only appeared in one match in this competition.
There is little doubt that the Spanish forward will start against Nottingham Forest as Porto look to secure another win and make a huge step towards the next stage of the Europa League.