Crystal Palace against Nottingham Forest has become a surprisingly bitter fixture, and not because of anything particularly memorable happening on the pitch.
After all the arguments over European football last season, Forest have now taken Oliver Glasner from Palace. The Austrian arrives back at Selhurst Park on Sunday with his new employers, and you can probably imagine the reception.
Palace have hardly enjoyed life without him, either.
Pierre Sage’s side have taken just four points from their opening five Premier League games. Meanwhile, Forest have managed five, so neither club has exactly been setting the league alight.
However, Forest do have one thing going for them. Palace have never beaten them in the Premier League.
Twelve meetings without a victory is quite something. Five of the six meetings at Selhurst Park have also ended level, so another frustrating afternoon wouldn’t exactly come as a surprise.
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What are the best betting tips for Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest?
Nottingham Forest draw no bet
There’s something quite appealing about Glasner returning to Selhurst Park and leaving with three points.
Palace supporters probably won’t agree.
Forest haven’t been particularly convincing this season, but their recent results suggest there’s enough quality to cause Palace problems.
They won 2-1 at Aston Villa before the international break, having also taken a point away to Liverpool earlier in the campaign.
Meanwhile, Palace have lost three of their opening five league games. They also failed to score against Leeds last time out.
Then there’s the head-to-head record.
Palace have never beaten Forest in 12 Premier League meetings, drawing eight and losing four. That’s a remarkable record against a side they’ve faced so regularly.
I’m not convinced Forest are reliable enough to back outright. However, the draw-no-bet market offers some protection.
Given how often these teams share the points, that feels sensible.
Under 2.5 total goals
These two haven’t exactly been producing brilliant attacking football.
Forest have scored just four goals in their opening five league matches. They’ve also failed to score in three of those games.
Palace have managed six, although their defensive problems have made results even worse.
However, Sunday’s match could be considerably tighter than those numbers suggest.
Five of the six Premier League meetings between these clubs at Selhurst Park have ended in draws. Recent encounters have also been particularly close.
In fact, their last three meetings all finished 1-1.
Palace are also expected to be without Jean-Philippe Mateta, while Forest have struggled to turn possession into goals.
Neither side looks particularly comfortable going forward right now.
I wouldn’t be surprised if one goal decides this.
Morgan Gibbs-White to score or assist
If Forest are going to find a way through Palace, Morgan Gibbs-White looks a decent candidate to make it happen.
The midfielder has already registered one goal and two assists in five Premier League appearances this season.
That’s involvement in three of Forest’s four league goals.
He’s also one of the few players in Glasner’s side who can create something when the game becomes scrappy.
Palace have conceded 11 goals in their opening five league matches. Injuries and suspensions have made their defensive situation even more difficult.
Axel Disasi is suspended, while Dean Henderson and Jean-Philippe Mateta are among those facing fitness problems.
As a result, Forest should get opportunities.
Rather than backing Gibbs-White to score himself, the goal-or-assist market gives us another route.
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Where can I watch Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest?
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest kicks off at 2pm BST on Sunday, October 11, at Selhurst Park.
In the UK, the match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event. Fans can also stream the action through NOW.
What is Crystal Palace’s predicted team?
(3-4-2-1): Henderson; Mingueza, Richards, Canvot; Khalaili, Timber, Wharton, Mitchell; Kamada, Pino; Mateta.
Injured: Chadi Riad.
Doubts: Dean Henderson, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Anan Khalaili, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jefferson Lerma.
Suspended: Axel Disasi.
What is Nottingham Forest’s predicted team?
(3-4-2-1): Sels; Jair Cunha, Diomande, Murillo; Muñoz, Schlager, McAtee, Williams; Ndoye, Gibbs-White; Delap.
Injured: None confirmed.
Doubts: Nikola Milenković, Nicolò Savona.
Suspended: None.
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest prediction
I can see this being a fairly miserable afternoon for anyone hoping for goals.
Palace have struggled at Selhurst Park this season, while Forest have scored just four times in five league games.
However, Glasner’s side have looked much more comfortable away from home. They’ve already drawn at Liverpool and beaten Aston Villa.
There’s also the small matter of Palace’s dreadful record against Forest.
The Eagles have never beaten them in the Premier League, and five of their six home meetings have ended level.
I’m leaning towards Forest, but another draw wouldn’t surprise me.
Score prediction: Crystal Palace 0-1 Nottingham Forest
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