Brentford and Nottingham Forest square off on Saturday in their first Premier League action of 2024, and both teams have good reason to be looking over their shoulders at the wrong end of the table.
FA Cup drama took center stage in midweek, with Forest needing extra time to beat Blackpool and Brentford falling 3-2 to Wolves — and a combination of injuries and international commitments has left both squads depleted as they refocus on the league schedule.
While the visitors ended December on a high note with huge wins over Newcastle and Manchester United, the Bees have gone seven games without a win.
Read on for our free Brentford vs Nottingham Forest picks and predictions ahead of this January 20 showdown.
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest best odds
EPL predictions for Brentford vs Nottingham Forest
On recent evidence, attack is the best form of defense for both teams — and that should set up an entertaining battle at Gtech Community Stadium this weekend, with goals on the menu.
Let’s start with the visitors. Forest haven’t kept a clean sheet since November 5 and were even shaky at the back against League One Blackpool. But new boss Nuno Espirito Santo has pressed the right button at the other end of the field, with Forest scoring at least two goals in each of their five games since he took over.
Even with some key absences, I expect some carryover from their strong late-December outings — and they proved they can find the net on the road with a three-goal performance at St. James’ Park.
Brentford are no strangers to end-to-end contests, but they haven’t been doing much of the scoring lately. Even so, they’ve served up three or more goals in four of their past five games.
With Bryan Mbeumo injured and Yoane Wissa away with DR Congo, Ivan Toney’s return from an eight-month ban this weekend is timely for a Bees team in need of a win to ease relegation fears. A fresh Toney could be the X-factor here with so many other players reeling from the heavy winter fixture list.
It may not be pretty, but I’m taking these odds for Over 2.5 goals and counting on both defenses to continue their struggles.
My best bet: Over 2.5 goals (-114 at TonyBet)
Bet on soccer at TonyBet
One of Canada’s favourite sportsbooks for soccer, join TonyBet, which offers a 100% deposit match (up to $350) for new bettors!
Not available in Ontario.
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest same-game parlay
Over 2.5 goals
Ivan Toney anytime scorer
Brentford moneyline
As Toney said this week, ‘Big dog’s back!’ He’s set to make his first appearance for Brentford since last May, and I see him immediately making up for lost time. It’s fair to wonder how much game time he’ll need to ramp up, but I’m adding the odds for Toney to get on the scoresheet.
His pace and direct style should pose problems for a Forest defense missing key contributors, and they haven’t kept a clean sheet yet under Nuno. If Toney is looking to remind suitors that he’s ready for a big January transfer, the clock is ticking.
I’m also riding with Brentford to grab the three points on Saturday. I expect the hosts to start on the front foot and chase a much-needed win to move away from the relegation zone.
While the Bees have lost six of their last seven games, only two of those defeats came on home turf, so I’m predicting a bounce-back effort here.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest side and Over/Under analysis
Despite a poor run of results and no victories since December 2, Brentford hang onto the favorites tag at home this weekend. That’s largely a nod to Toney giving them more firepower in the final third.
While Chris Wood, hat-trick hero against Newcastle, is available to lead the Forest attack, much of the midfield supply is missing, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga both sidelined. Plus, Callum Hudson-Odoi limped off in midweek.
The teams’ meeting back in early October finished as a 1-1 draw, but Forest played most of the second half with 10 men that day. I expect more scoring chances this weekend, and I’ve already made the case for three or more goals.
International commitments have hit both squads hard, particularly the visitors’ defensive options, and I don’t have a lot of faith in either back-line holding firm. If Blackpool scored twice in both games against Forest this month, Toney should have a field day.
The BTTS – Yes prop is worth a look too, with a fast Brentford start forcing the visitors out of their shell.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest game info
| Location: | Brentford Community Stadium, London, England |
| Date: | Saturday, January 20, 2024 |
| Time: | 12:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | DAZN |
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest key injuries
Brentford: Aaron Hickey D (Out), Rico Henry D (Out), Bryan Mbeumo F (Out), Christian Norgaard M (Out), Yoane Wissa F (Out – International), Saman Ghoddos M (Out – International).
Nottingham Forest: Callum Hudson-Odoi M (Questionable), Murillo D (Questionable), Divock Origi F (Questionable), Morgan Gibbs-White M (Out), Anthony Elanga M (Out), Wily Boly D (Out – International), Ola Aina D (Out – International), Serge Aurier D (Out – International), Moussa Niakhate D (Out – International).
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest recent league form
| Teams | Recent Premier League Form |
|---|---|
 Brentford |
L-L-L-L-L |
 Nottingham Forest |
W-W-L-L-D |
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
