Matchday 2 of the 2025/26 Europa League group stage between Nottingham Forest (England) and Midtjylland (Denmark) will take place on October 2 at the City Ground stadium. Nottingham Forest vs. Midtjylland: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Nottingham Forest
The English club ended their first European match in nearly 30 years with a 2-2 draw against Real Betis in the first round. However, Nottingham Forest has not pleased their fans in the new season, currently on a seven-match winless streak in official competitions (3 draws, 4 losses). Their only victory came in the opening round of the Premier League against Brentford (3-1) on August 17. Furthermore, once formidable at home, Nottingham Forest has regularly lost on their own turf, suffering defeats in 6 of their last 8 matches in the Premier League and the English League Cup (1 win, 1 draw).
- The team has failed to keep a clean sheet in 17 consecutive official matches.
- At home, the club has not scored in 6 of their last 8 matches in the Premier League and the English League Cup.
- No more than 2 goals have been scored in 9 of Nottingham Forest's last 12 home matches in the Premier League and the English League Cup.
Predicted lineup for Nottingham Forest (4-5-1)
Matz Sels – Alexander Zinchenko, Morato, Nikola Milenkovic, Neco Williams – Callum Hudson-Odoi, Elliot Anderson, Douglas Luiz, Morgan Gibbs-White – Igor Jesus.
Defenders Murillo, Ola Aina, and midfielder Douglas Luiz are injured.
Midtjylland
The Herning side started with a 2-0 home victory over Sturm in the Europa League group stage. This win marked their fifth consecutive victory in the second-tier European competition, including qualification matches, and they have not conceded in their last four games. Midtjylland's unbeaten run in the Europa League has extended to seven matches (5 wins, 2 draws). However, away from home in the second-tier European competition, Midtjylland has not been as flawless, failing to win 4 of their last 7 matches (1 draw, 3 losses).
- At least one opponent has failed to score in 5 of Midtjylland's last 6 Europa League matches.
- The club has scored at least twice in 5 consecutive games in this tournament.
- Midtjylland has scored in 8 of their last 11 away Europa League matches.
Predicted lineup for Midtjylland (3-4-3)
Elias Olafsson – Usman Diao, Lee Han-Bom, Mads Bech Sorensen – Kevin Mbabu, Pedro Bravo, Philip Billing, Denil Castillo – Cho Gue-Sung, Junior Brumado, Franculino Djú.
Goalkeeper Ovie Ejaria, midfielder Dani Silva, and forwards Mikel Gogorza and Dario Osorio are out due to health issues.
Referee
Willy Delajod (France)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 29;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 50%.
Match Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs. Midtjylland
Despite a poor start to the season, the English team has shown they will take European fixtures very seriously. Nottingham Forest almost secured a win in Seville in the first round, with experienced Real Betis equalizing only in the 85th minute at home. I am confident that the English side will approach their first home match with even greater motivation and zeal. The Nottingham crowd has not seen European battles for nearly 30 years. Nottingham Forest knows how to play at home, ranking 7th among the best home teams in last season's Premier League, unbeaten in 14 of 19 matches (9 wins, 5 draws).
Moreover, the hosts will aim to end their current seven-match winless streak. For the visitors, this is just another European match. The team from Herning is accustomed to playing on the European stage in recent years, but they have not achieved significant success. In the last Europa League campaign, Midtjylland finished only 20th in the group stage, losing 3 of 4 away matches (1 win). Additionally, the hosts have had more recovery time, having played their Premier League match on Saturday, while the Danes play in their domestic league on Monday evening.
I anticipate that the hosts' immense motivation will be the key factor influencing the outcome of the upcoming match. Nottingham Forest, hungry for victories, should delight their fans with a win after such a long absence from the European stage. My prediction: Nottingham Forest to win
* The lineup for each team reflects their starting eleven in their last match in this tournament.
