Nottingham Forest will continue chasing European qualification for the first time in 30 years this weekend, but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side faces the toughest test in the Premier League, at leas statistically speaking, when they visit Brentford on Saturday.
WATCH –Brentford vs Nottingham Forest
Brentford (11th place - 23 points) have been virtually untouchable at home this season, taking 22 of 24 points from their first 8 games at Gtech Community Stadium (7W-1D-0L) and scoring a Premier League-high 26 goals in the process (6 more than any other side). Never mind the fact that Thomas Frank’s side has earned just a single point from eight away games, because they have scored three or more more goals in each of their last five games at home. That said, the Bees’ home fixture list is set to get much, much tougher in the coming days and weeks, with Forest (4th place), Arsenal (3rd), Manchester City (5th) and Liverpool (1st) all due in west London over the next month.
Three decades on from their last European adventure, Nottingham Forest (4th - 28 points) aren’t exactly blowing their opponents away, but they are making the most of one of the PL’s best defensive record (19 goals conceded in 16 games, 3rd-best) and some timely goals (mostly scored by Chris Wood, who has 10 of the Tricky Trees’ 21). Nuno Espirito Santo is preaching joy this holiday season, as his side defies the odds and continues to out-pace the likes of Manchester City, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester United. “I’m not listening to that, honestly. … What I tell [Forest fans] is, ‘Let’s enjoy the journey, let’s stick to our principles and see where we come from and want to go. Let’s just enjoy it.’”
How to watch Brentford vs Nottingham Forest live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10 am ET Saturday (December 21)
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium — London
TV Channel: USA Network
Streaming: Watch live on NBCSports.com
Brentford team news, focus
OUT: Mathias Jensen (hamstring), Ethan Pinnock (hamstring), Aaron Hickey (thigh), Josh Dasilva (knee), Rico Henry (knee), Gustavo Nunes (back) | QUESTIONABLE: Igor Thiago (knock), Sepp van den Berg (groin)
Nottingham Forest team news, focus
OUT: Danilo (ankle), Ibrahim Sangare (undisclosed) | QUESTIONABLE: Murillo (knock), Ryan Yates (ankle)
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest prediction
Brentford were inching their way toward full fitness with Igor Thiago’s recent return, but injuries have struck down two-thirds of the starting backline and that might just afford Forest the one or two big chances they need to keep their quest going. Brentford 1-2 Nottingham Forest.