Nottingham Forest vs Burnley Prediction, Betting Tips & Preview | 19 April 2026

Nottingham Forest host Burnley at The City Ground on Sunday afternoon as the Premier League campaign enters its final stretch. With Forest chasing European qualification and Burnley desperately fighting relegation, this clash carries enormous significance for both clubs. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:00 BST.

Nottingham Forest vs Burnley Predictions

Forest to Win & Under 3.5 Goals @ Best Odds

Nottingham Forest enter this fixture as heavy favourites, and with good reason. Vitor Pereira’s side have been one of the surprise packages of the Premier League season, sitting comfortably in 6th place with 49 points from 32 matches. Their home form has been particularly impressive, with 9 wins, 6 draws and just 1 defeat at The City Ground all season.

Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, find themselves in deep trouble. The Clarets are 18th in the table with just 27 points from 32 games, six points adrift of safety with time running out. Their away record makes for grim reading – 2 wins, 4 draws and 10 defeats on the road, conceding 28 goals in the process.

Forest’s recent form shows DWLWD, a steady if unspectacular run that has kept them in the European conversation. Burnley’s DWLLL sequence highlights their struggles, though the draw against Manchester City in their last outing showed they still have fight.

The head-to-head record between these sides is remarkably balanced – each team has one win with two draws in their last four meetings. However, Forest’s superior quality and home advantage should prove decisive here.

Chris Wood to Score Anytime

Chris Wood has been Forest’s talisman this season with 14 league goals. The New Zealand international knows where the net is and thrives on service from the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Against a Burnley defence that has leaked 53 goals in 32 games, Wood should get chances.

Correct Score: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Burnley

Forest have kept things tight at home, conceding just 11 goals in 16 home fixtures. Burnley’s struggles in front of goal away from Turf Moor – 13 goals in 16 away games – suggest this could be a comfortable afternoon for the hosts.

Nottingham Forest vs Burnley Odds

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Team News

Nottingham Forest: Vitor Pereira has a strong squad to choose from with no major injury concerns reported. The Portuguese coach has built a cohesive unit that blends youth and experience effectively. Key players like Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi are all expected to feature.

Burnley: Scott Parker will need his squad at full strength for this daunting trip. The Clarets have shown some resilience recently, taking points off Manchester City, but they’ll need to be at their very best to get anything from The City Ground. Lyle Foster, Burnley’s top scorer with 7 goals, will be crucial to their hopes.

Nottingham Forest Season So Far

Nottingham Forest’s rise to 6th place in the Premier League represents one of the stories of the season. Under Vitor Pereira, they have transformed from relegation battlers to European hopefuls. With 49 points from 32 games (13 wins, 10 draws, 9 defeats), they have already surpassed most pre-season expectations.

Their home form has been the foundation of this success. Nine wins and six draws from 16 matches at The City Ground, scoring 29 goals while conceding just 11, makes them formidable hosts. Only the very best teams have left Nottingham with all three points this season.

Chris Wood’s 14 goals have been vital, while the supporting cast of Morgan Gibbs-White (8 goals), Callum Hudson-Odoi (7 goals) and Elliot Anderson (5 goals) have provided creativity and cutting edge. Defensively, the partnership of Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo has given Forest a solid base.

European qualification remains a realistic target, though they face stiff competition from Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Bournemouth. With six games remaining, every point is precious.

Burnley Season So Far

Burnley’s return to the Premier League has been a difficult one. Scott Parker’s side sit in 18th place with 27 points from 32 games (6 wins, 9 draws, 17 defeats). With just six matches remaining, they are six points from safety and facing an uphill battle to preserve their top-flight status.

The Clarets’ problems have been evident both ends of the pitch. Thirty goals scored is the third-worst record in the division, while 53 conceded is the second-worst. Their away form has been particularly concerning – just two wins from 16 road trips, scoring 13 and conceding 28.

Lyle Foster has led the line admirably with 7 goals, supported by Jacob Bruun Larsen (6) and James Ward-Prowse (5). However, the team has lacked the cutting edge needed to turn draws into wins and narrow defeats into points.

The recent draw against Manchester City showed what this Burnley side is capable of when everything clicks. They will need more of that resilience and organisation if they are to escape the drop zone.

Head-to-Head History

The recent history between these clubs is finely balanced. In their last four meetings, each side has one win with two draws. The reverse fixture this season ended 1-1 at Turf Moor in September 2025, a result that reflected the even nature of that contest.

Nottingham Forest’s last visit to Burnley in May 2024 ended in a 2-1 victory for the visitors, while Burnley’s most recent trip to The City Ground in September 2023 produced a 1-1 draw. The Clarets did win 1-0 at Forest in August 2023 in a League Cup tie, though that came in extra time.

Key Players to Watch

Nottingham Forest:

• Chris Wood – The 14-goal striker is Forest’s main threat. His physical presence and finishing ability make him a constant danger.
• Morgan Gibbs-White – With 8 goals, the midfielder provides creativity and drive from the centre of the park.
• Callum Hudson-Odoi – The winger’s 7 goals have come from moments of individual brilliance.

Burnley:

• Lyle Foster – The Clarets’ top scorer with 7 goals. His pace and movement will test Forest’s defence.
• James Ward-Prowse – The midfielder’s set-piece delivery and 5 goals make him Burnley’s most creative outlet.
• Jacob Bruun Larsen – With 6 goals, the winger provides width and attacking threat.

Tactical Analysis

Vitor Pereira has organised Nottingham Forest into a well-drilled unit that defends compactly but attacks with pace and purpose. At home, they tend to control possession and create chances through the flanks, with Hudson-Odoi and Gibbs-White providing service for Wood.

Scott Parker prefers a structured approach, though Burnley’s lack of quality has forced them into a more reactive style against better opposition. They will likely look to stay compact, frustrate Forest, and hit on the break through Foster’s pace.

The key battle will be between Forest’s creative midfielders and Burnley’s defensive midfield. If Ward-Prowse and Cullen can control the tempo, Burnley have a chance. If Gibbs-White and Anderson dominate, Forest should cruise.

Where to Watch Nottingham Forest vs Burnley

This Premier League fixture will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, with kick-off at 14:00 BST on Sunday, 19 April 2026. Check local listings for international broadcast details.

Final Thoughts & Best Bets

Nottingham Forest should have too much quality for a Burnley side struggling for form and confidence. The Clarets showed character against Manchester City but repeating that level at The City Ground will be a significant challenge.

Forest’s home form is formidable, and with European qualification still a realistic target, motivation should not be an issue. Burnley desperately need points, but this looks like a tough assignment.

Best Bets:

• Nottingham Forest to Win @ 1/2 (bet365)
• Under 3.5 Goals @ 2/5 (bet365)
• Chris Wood to Score Anytime @ Best Odds
• Correct Score: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Burnley @ 6/1 (bet365)

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Odds correct at time of publication. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ only.