Matchweek 34 in the Premier League kicks off on Friday night as Nottingham Forest travel to Sunderland for a game that could have huge repercussions for both.

With Sunderland pushing for a chance to play European football next season and Forest still battling to secure safety, this matchup has plenty on the line, and if their last outings are anything to go by, goals look firmly on the cards.

Sunderland were beaten 4-3 by Aston Villa last week, despite a remarkable late comeback to make it 3-3. It actually looked like they might snatch the three points themselves when Habib Diarra got in one-on-one, only for him to attempt a chip rather than square it.

Nottingham Forest beat Burnley 4-1, but they made hard work of it. They found themselves 1-0 down at halftime, but a second-half hat-trick from Morgan Gibbs-White put them 3-1 up before Igor Jesus added a fourth late on.

The Stadium of Light has been a tough place to go for away teams all season. Sunderland are hard to break down at home, and whilst their attack hasn’t been explosive, they still find ways to score goals.

They also looked a lot more dangerous going forward last time out against Aston Villa.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, comes into this game in solid form, unbeaten in their last five league matches.

However, defensive issues remain. Forest have kept just two clean sheets in their last seven league games, and they regularly concede on the road.

Add in a packed schedule – with a Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa on the horizon – and there’s every chance they play with one eye on the future.

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What are the best bets for Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest?

Sunderland to win

This will be one of those games that isn’t easy on the eye, and there won’t be very much in it, and that’s exactly why I think Sunderland will win it.

Sunderland have made a habit of winning these types of games at home all season; it’s part of the reason why they are where they are in the league.

Forest are on a great run at the moment and are definitely capable of winning this game and staying in the Premier League. But I think their minds will be focused on their midweek semi-final against Villa rather than the task in front of them.

Sunderland now have the spine of their team back fit again. And with that carrot of European football being dangled in front of them, I think they get the job done.

Both teams to score

Sunderland always seems to find a way to score, especially at home, even if they don’t look particularly dangerous for long periods.

Against a less-than-perfect Forest defence, they should find the net again here, probably more than once.

Forest definitely have the quality going forward to cause problems.

I think they will score. Their recent form definitely suggests it, and again, with their defensive record on the road, they are just as likely to let one in at the other end.

Back both teams to score here.

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Where can I watch Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest?

For viewers in the USA, this Premier League game can be watched on the USA Network, with a kick-off of 15:00 EST.

Supporters in the UK can catch the action on Sky Sports Main Event. Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT.

What is Sunderland’s current form?

L-L-W-W-L

What is Nottingham Forest’s current form?

W-D-D-W-W

What were the results of the last five head-to-head matches between Sunderland and Nottingham Forest?

27/09/2025 – Nottingham Forest 0-1 Sunderland (EPL)

30/12/2017 – Nottingham Forest 0-1 Sunderland (EFL)

12/09/2017 – Sunderland 0-1 Nottingham Forest (EFL)

27/08/2008 – Nottingham Forest 1-2 *AET Sunderland (League Cup)

28/12/2004 – Nottingham Forest 1-2 Sunderland (EFL)

What is Sunderland’s predicted team?

Roefs – Reinildo, Ballard, Alderete, Mukiele – Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra – Rigg, Le Fee, Brobbey

Injured: Angulo, Traore, Ta Bii, Mundle

What is Nottingham Forest’s predicted team?

Sels – Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams – Sangare, Anderson, Bakwa, Hutchinson, Gibbs-White – Wood.

Injured: Boly, Savona, Victor

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