Match Pack: Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest

Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM ET (15:00 UK)
Venue: Selhurst Park, London
Broadcast Information: Sky Sports (UK), Peacock (US)

Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest lock horns at Selhurst Park in a Matchweek 2 clash that promises a battle of contrasting styles in the 2025-26 Premier League season. Palace, led by Oliver Glasner, started with a 2-2 draw against Brentford, showcasing their attacking flair through Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta but exposing defensive frailties. Forest, under Nuno Espírito Santo, secured a 1-0 win over Everton, with Chris Wood’s clinical finishing and a solid defensive unit setting the tone. This matchup pits Palace’s high-energy, attacking approach against Forest’s compact, counter-attacking setup, with key duels on the wings and in midfield likely to dictate the flow. Selhurst Park’s electric atmosphere will amplify the stakes, as Palace aim to build on their strong home form and Forest look to prove their top-half credentials. Expect a tightly contested game with moments of individual brilliance.

Insights
Palace’s 2-2 draw with Brentford showed their attacking threat, with Eze scoring and Mateta assisting, though they conceded late. They won 10 of 19 home games in 2024-25. Forest’s 1-0 win over Everton highlighted their defensive resilience, with Wood’s header securing the points. They won three of their last seven away games last season. Palace’s 4-3-3 relies on Eze’s creativity and Mateta’s physicality, while Forest’s 4-2-3-1 emphasizes defensive solidity, with Morgan Gibbs-White pulling the strings. Eze vs. Forest’s right-back Neco Williams will be key, as Eze’s dribbling could exploit Williams’ positioning. Palace won their last home game against Forest 1-0 in 2024-25, but Forest have won two of the last five meetings overall. A win could push Palace toward early top-half contention, while Forest aim to build on their solid start. Palace’s Cheick Doucouré is doubtful with a thigh issue, while Forest have no major injuries. Selhurst Park’s raucous fans will create a hostile environment, with Forest’s supporters aiming to match their intensity.

Match Forecasts
Eberechi Eze is likely to test Forest’s defense with his flair, potentially creating or scoring from set pieces or open play. Forest’s Chris Wood could capitalize on Palace’s shaky backline, especially from crosses. Palace’s set-piece threat, with five goals from corners in 2024-25, may trouble Forest’s aerial defending. Substitutes like Palace’s Ismaila Sarr or Forest’s Anthony Elanga could shift the game late with their pace. Forest’s compact midfield may frustrate Palace’s attacking flow, but their full-backs could be exposed by Palace’s wingers. Expect a fast-paced start with Palace pressing high, though Forest may slow the game to control tempo. If level late, Palace’s home crowd could inspire a winner, but Forest’s counter-attacking threat makes them dangerous in stoppage time.

Match Facts
Palace have won three of eight Premier League matches against Forest, with three draws and two losses. Their last meeting at Selhurst ended 1-0 to Palace. Selhurst Park, capacity 25,486, saw Palace lose only five home games in 2024-25, making it a fortress. Referee David Coote, officiating this match, averaged 3.9 yellow cards per game in 2024-25 and officiated Palace’s 2-1 win over Fulham last season. Sky Sports will broadcast live in the UK, with coverage starting at 14:30 UK. Peacock streams the match in the US at 10:00 AM ET. London’s weather forecast predicts partly cloudy skies, 20°C (68°F), with a 10% chance of rain, ideal for football. A Palace win would mark their 150th Premier League victory. Jean-Philippe Mateta is one goal shy of 30 Premier League goals for Palace.