Breaking Down Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest: Odds, Predictions, and What’s at Stake
This Monday, all eyes will be on North London as Tottenham welcome Nottingham Forest in a Premier League clash that feels bigger for both teams than you might expect from their table positions. Forest, remarkably, are chasing a Champions League spot, sitting fifth in the league. They’re just four points short of that coveted top-four berth—a goal that seemed out of reach at the season’s start. Tottenham, by contrast, have spent weeks stuck in the lower half of the table, currently languishing in 14th place, a full eight points away from the top half. Spurs fans are desperate for a spark, while Forest supporters are pinching themselves at their club's position.
Forest had the upper hand when these sides met on Boxing Day, clinching a tight 1-0 win. But times have changed. Nottingham have stumbled lately—losing twice in a row—while Tottenham just punched their ticket to the Europa League semifinals by beating Eintracht Frankfurt. It’s a matchup loaded with contrasting momentum and ambition. Who really has the upper hand?
Lineups, Key Stats, and Where the Value Lies
Let’s get into the confirmed lineups. Tottenham field what looks like an attacking 4-3-3: Vicario in goal; back four of Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, and Spence; a midfield trio of Kulusevski, Bentancur, and Sarr; with Odobert, Richarlison, and Tel aiming to penetrate Forest’s back line. On Forest’s side, Sels minds the net, Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, and Toffolo anchor defense; Dominguez and Anderson screen the midfield; and a creative attack features Elanga, Gibbs-White, and Danilo supporting Chris Wood up front.
If you’re tuning in for goals, you’re in luck. Sportsbooks like FanDuel and CBS Sports are almost split, but odds suggest an open game: Tottenham are +165, Forest +155, and a draw sits at +250. But where’s the smart money? Analysts are eyeing the Over 2.5 Goals bet—priced at -163 with an estimated 70% probability. Why? Spurs top the league in corners per game (seven per match), and Forest concede an average of 6.41 corners—third-worst. There’s a good chance for plenty of set-piece chances and high drama in both boxes.
- Tottenham odds: +165 (FanDuel)
- Draw: +250
- Nottingham Forest odds: +155 (FanDuel)
- Top bet: Over 2.5 Goals at -163, especially when combined with a team result for extra value
SportsLine expert Brandt Sutton points to Tottenham’s recent Europa League success as a possible game-changer. With the team buzzing from a big European win, there’s a real chance the energy carries over. But Forest's solid defense and direct attacking play mean they won’t make it easy.
Player-wise, keep an eye on Anthony Elanga for Forest. Statheads will note he's got a 22% probability of scoring anytime—low on paper, but his current form is hot, with a 60% strike rate in recent games. That pace, especially alongside Gibbs-White and Danilo threading passing lanes behind him, could stretch Tottenham’s defense. For Spurs, the likes of Richarlison and Mathys Tel need to step up and make themselves a nuisance.
With both sides pushing for different goals—Forest for Europe, Tottenham for pride and positioning—this matchup is primed for fireworks. It’s one of those games where stats, odds, and storylines collide, setting the stage for a Monday night Premier League thriller that could have ripple effects far beyond just three points.
