Southampton vs Nottingham Forest Predictions

Southampton vs Nottingham Forest predictions for this Premier League clash. Southampton host Nottingham Forest at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the second gameweek of the 2024-25 Premier League season. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Premier League | Aug 24, 2024 at 3:00pm UK at St. Mary’s Stadium

Southampton vs Nottingham Forest Predictions

Will Southampton Overcome Their Home Woes Against Nottingham Forest?

• Southampton attempted 19 shots against Newcastle, showcasing their attacking intent despite failing to score.
• Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood has scored 12 goals under Nuno Espirito Santo, proving to be a consistent threat.
• Southampton earned 12 corners in their last match, highlighting their reliance on wing play and set-piece opportunities.

Best Bet

Southampton and Nottingham Forest face off in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League clash at St Mary’s Stadium. As both sides look to secure their first win of the season, the match holds significant weight, particularly for Southampton, who are eager to bounce back after their opening day defeat to Newcastle. Forest, on the other hand, will be keen to build on their draw against Bournemouth and potentially exploit Southampton’s shaky start.

The most reliable prediction for this encounter is that both teams will find the back of the net. Southampton’s performance against Newcastle highlighted their ability to create chances, even though they failed to capitalise on them. Despite the loss, the Saints registered a total of 19 shots, with four on target, demonstrating that their attacking unit, particularly Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton Diaz, can generate opportunities. Their problem, however, lies in their wastefulness in front of goal, which they will be desperate to rectify in front of their home fans.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, managed to score against Bournemouth despite losing key player Danilo early in the match. Chris Wood’s ability to find the net underlines Forest’s potential to trouble any defence, especially one that has shown vulnerabilities like Southampton’s. The Tricky Trees also had eight shots on target in their previous match, further suggesting that they have the capability to score away from home.

Moreover, Southampton’s defensive frailties were exposed by Newcastle, even when playing against ten men for over an hour. Their lack of a clean sheet and their susceptibility to counter-attacks suggest that Forest, who have scored in their last two Premier League away games, are likely to take advantage.

“Both teams are evenly matched in their offensive potential, and given Southampton’s defensive struggles, backing both teams to score seems the most logical play,” said BettingTips4You.com expert Herrin Kendrick. With the attacking options on both sides and the defensive vulnerabilities of Southampton, a scoreline featuring goals from both teams is highly probable.

Correct Score Prediction

Given the analysis above, a 1-1 draw seems to be the most plausible outcome. Southampton, while struggling to convert their chances, should manage at least one goal against a Forest side that isn’t known for their defensive solidity away from home. However, Forest’s ability to respond, particularly through Chris Wood, suggests they will likely find the net as well, leading to a balanced scoreline. Both teams have shown a propensity to score but also to concede, making this a logical prediction.

Southampton’s past struggles to secure victories at home, coupled with their defensive lapses, are likely to see them concede. On the other hand, Forest’s recent form on the road and their attacking threat will push them to ensure they don’t leave empty-handed. This scenario sets up a likely 1-1 draw, with both teams showing flashes of their potential but ultimately cancelling each other out.

Additional Prediction

A secondary prediction that fits the narrative of this match is for Southampton to secure over five corners. The Saints’ attacking strategy under Russell Martin heavily relies on wing play, which often results in corners. In their match against Newcastle, Southampton earned 12 corners, which reflects their intent to press forward, especially when trailing.

Forest’s defence, while solid, is likely to concede corners due to Southampton’s high possession and attacking impetus, especially playing at home. Forest allowed Bournemouth six corners in their last match, showing a susceptibility in this area. Given these dynamics, backing Southampton to accumulate more than five corners seems a sound strategy.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips

Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!

Selected Bookmakers Offers