Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
The fixture between Nottingham Forest and Brentford stands apart from the rest of Matchweek 34 in the English Premier League. While all other matches concluded by the evening of 27 April, this contest is scheduled for three days later.
Nottingham Forest
The delay stems from Nottingham Forest's involvement in the FA Cup semi-finals on that Sunday. The squad were unable to realise their ambitions of winning the oldest trophy in football or securing UEFA Champions League qualification, having suffered a 0:2 home defeat to Manchester City. As a result, their hopes of reaching next season’s top European competition remain in the balance. Despite having played one match fewer, Nottingham Forest are currently sixth in the standings. The situation isn’t yet critical—a draw would be enough to reclaim fifth place—but with Chelsea to come in the final round of fixtures, their position is by no means secure.
Brentford
Brentford, in contrast, have long since fallen out of the European conversation, despite earlier signs they might mount a challenge for continental qualification. The sharp form they displayed last season has waned, and the attacking pair of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have struggled of late. They’ve contributed 34 goals combined this campaign (18 and 16 respectively), but since the start of April, they’ve netted only five between them. Is that a worry? At the very least, it underlines the squad’s heavy reliance on this duo. Brentford have scored six goals across their last four league matches—meaning that if Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are kept quiet, the entire team tends to be as well.
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford Prediction
Nottingham Forest have lost three of their last four games across all competitions, scoring only three goals in that spell. Brentford, by contrast, have taken 10 points from a possible 15 in their previous five away fixtures. With that form in mind, a double chance on the visitors looks a solid pick.
