Preview & Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs. Sunderland

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 Time: 10:00 a.m. ET Venue: City Ground, Nottingham Broadcast: TBD, Peacock (US)

Nottingham Forest face Sunderland at the City Ground on September 27, 2025, in a Premier League Matchweek 6 clash that pits a resurgent mid-table hopeful against a newly promoted side brimming with ambition. Forest, under Nuno Espírito Santo, solidified their Premier League status in 2024–25 with a top-half finish, driven by Morgan Gibbs-White’s playmaking and Callum Hudson-Odoi’s flair on the wings. The City Ground’s intimate setting amplifies their high-energy approach, making it a fortress for opponents. Sunderland, managed by Régis Le Bris, stormed back to the Premier League after a dominant 2024–25 Championship campaign, with Jobe Bellingham’s versatility and Jack Clarke’s pace proving pivotal. This matchup contrasts Forest’s fluid 4-2-3-1, which thrives on quick transitions, with Sunderland’s compact 4-2-3-1, designed to absorb pressure and exploit counters. The 30,445-capacity stadium will be electric, with the Trent End’s vocal support pushing Forest to unsettle their visitors. Both teams are chasing momentum in a competitive mid-table race, with Forest aiming to cement their top-10 aspirations and Sunderland looking to prove they can compete with established sides. Expect a tightly contested battle where tactical discipline and individual brilliance could tip the scales.

Insights:

• Forest posted a 10–5–4 home record in 2024–25, scoring 1.7 goals per game at the City Ground, where the Trent End’s atmosphere often forces turnovers.
• Sunderland secured promotion with a 15–4–4 away record in the 2024–25 Championship, averaging 1.9 goals per game, but face a step-up against Premier League opposition.
• Forest’s 4-2-3-1 under Espírito Santo emphasizes wing play and high pressing, while Sunderland’s 4-2-3-1 relies on defensive solidity and quick breaks.
• Morgan Gibbs-White (8 goals, 9 assists in 2024–25) versus Sunderland’s Daniel Ballard (2.3 tackles per game) will be key, with Gibbs-White’s creativity testing Ballard’s aerial strength.
• Forest lead the series 7–3–2 since 2000, including a 2–0 home win in their last top-flight meeting (1996–97), giving them historical confidence.
• Forest aim for a top-10 finish to build on 2024–25, while Sunderland target survival and a potential mid-table push in their return season.
• Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi is fit after a minor injury, but Sunderland’s Eliezer Mayenda is questionable with a calf strain, potentially limiting their attack.
• The City Ground’s raucous Trent End contrasts with Sunderland’s passionate Wearside supporters, creating a vibrant atmosphere for this matchup.
• Espírito Santo’s recent shift to a narrower attacking shape could exploit Sunderland’s wide defending, while Le Bris’s focus on midfield pressing aims to disrupt Forest’s rhythm.
• Historical clashes at the City Ground average 2.5 goals per game, often decided by late strikes or set-piece moments.

Match Forecasts:

• Morgan Gibbs-White is likely to score or assist, using his 2024–25 form (9 assists) to exploit Sunderland’s high line with precise through-balls.
• Jack Clarke (12 goals in 2024–25 Championship) could trouble Forest’s defense on the counter, particularly targeting right-back Neco Williams’ forward runs.
• Forest’s Danilo (87% passing accuracy) will battle Sunderland’s Dan Neil and Pierre Ekwah, who averaged 2.2 tackles per game in the Championship.
• Forest converted 13% of corners into shots in 2024–25, with Nikola Milenković a aerial threat; Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien is equally strong defending set pieces.
• Forest’s Anthony Elanga could provide a late spark off the bench, while Sunderland’s Romaine Mundle offers pace to exploit tiring defenses.
• Sunderland’s backline, untested in the Premier League, may struggle against Forest’s quick transitions, which averaged 1.6 successful dribbles per game in 2024–25.
• The game could see a fast start with Forest’s press, but Sunderland’s counterattacking threat may lead to goals after the 70th minute, as seen in 60% of their 2024–25 away games.
• Tactical battle hinges on Forest’s ability to control possession (52% average) versus Sunderland’s knack for absorbing pressure and breaking (1.7 counters per game).

Nottingham Forest 2–1 Sunderland Forest’s home advantage and attacking depth, led by Gibbs-White’s creativity, should edge out a gritty Sunderland side. The City Ground’s atmosphere will disrupt Sunderland’s rhythm early, allowing Forest to capitalize through Hudson-Odoi or a set piece. However, Clarke’s pace on the break could see Sunderland pull one back, but Forest’s experience in tight matches will likely secure a narrow victory.

Match Facts:

• Forest lead the series 7–3–2 since 2000, with 28 goals scored in those matches (2.3 goals per game average), often featuring high-energy encounters.
• City Ground, with a 30,445 capacity, is expected to sell out, with the Trent End creating a hostile environment reaching 105 decibels during key moments.
• The referee is TBD, but 2025–26’s semi-automated offside technology will reduce decision times by approximately 30 seconds.
• Broadcast on Peacock (US) with English and Spanish commentary; local radio includes BBC Radio Nottingham and BBC Radio Sunderland.
• Nottingham on September 27, 2025, forecasts 63°F with a 20% chance of light rain, potentially slicking the pitch for faster play.
• A Forest win would mark their 50th Premier League home victory since 1998, bolstering their top-10 push.
• Morgan Gibbs-White is two assists shy of 20 for Forest; Jobe Bellingham could reach 15 career goals with a strike.
• Forest have won 65% of home games against promoted sides since 2022, often dominating possession in these fixtures.