- Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs Leicester City
- Date: Sunday, May 11, 2025
- Venue: The City Ground, Nottingham
Match Preview
The East Midlands derby returns as Nottingham Forest host Leicester City at The City Ground on Sunday, May 11, 2025. This fixture sees two teams at opposite ends of the table: Forest are flying high in sixth place with 61 points from 35 matches, while Leicester languish in 19th, already relegated with just 21 points. The gulf between these sides is stark, both in terms of recent form and overall squad value, setting the stage for a clash that looks, on paper, heavily tilted in the hosts’ favour.
Nottingham Forest come into this match with a strong home record, having accumulated 31 points from 17 home games and conceding just 13 goals at The City Ground. Their recent results, however, have been mixed: a 1-1 draw away at Crystal Palace, a 0-2 home defeat to Brentford, and an FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City. Despite a slight dip, Forest remain tough to beat at home, boasting 13 clean sheets this season and a positive goal difference (+12), with 54 goals scored and only 42 conceded. Their attack, led by Chris Wood and supported by the creativity of Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White, has been effective, while the defense marshaled by Matz Sels has proven resilient.
Leicester City, by contrast, have endured a torrid campaign. Their most recent results include a 2-0 home win over Southampton, but this was preceded by heavy defeats: 0-3 at Wolves, 0-1 at home to Liverpool, and 0-3 at home to Newcastle. The Foxes have managed just two clean sheets all season, conceding 76 goals-the second-worst in the division-and scoring only 29. Their away form is particularly poor, with just nine points from 17 matches, and they have struggled to find the net, averaging less than a goal per game on their travels.
Injuries and suspensions could play a role. Nottingham Forest will be without Neco Williams (thigh injury) and Nicolás Domínguez (groin surgery), both ruled out for the remainder of the season. Leicester have several doubts, including Kasey McAteer and Wout Faes (both knocks), while Harry Winks is absent for personal reasons. These absences further weaken a Leicester side already low on confidence and options.
Forest have won both of the last two meetings between these sides, including a 3-1 victory at the King Power Stadium earlier this season. The hosts’ superior squad depth, form, and home advantage make them clear favourites. Leicester, meanwhile, will be playing for pride, looking to avoid another heavy defeat in a derby that has historically provided drama, even when one side is struggling.
Key Players
Nottingham Forest:
- Chris Wood: The team’s top scorer with 19 goals, his physical presence and finishing will be a constant threat.
- Anthony Elanga: With 6 goals and 9 assists, Elanga’s pace and creativity have been vital to Forest’s attacking play.
- Morgan Gibbs-White: A key playmaker with 5 goals and 8 assists, he orchestrates much of Forest’s forward movement.
- Matz Sels: The Belgian keeper has kept 13 clean sheets and boasts a 72.4% save rate, providing a reliable last line of defense.
Leicester City:
- Jamie Vardy: Despite Leicester’s struggles, Vardy remains their main goal threat with 8 goals this season.
- Stephy Mavididi: Offers pace and direct running, contributing 4 goals.
- Wilfred Ndidi: The midfield anchor, leading the team with 9 assists, will be crucial in trying to disrupt Forest’s rhythm.
Prediction
Given Forest’s strong home form, Leicester’s defensive frailties, and the hosts’ attacking options, this match looks set for a comfortable Forest win. Leicester’s relegation is already confirmed, and their recent performances suggest little hope of an upset. Expect Forest to control possession, create more chances, and keep things tight at the back.
Predicted Score: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Leicester City
Betting Markets & Odds
| Market | Odds (Fractional) | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest to Win | 4/11 | Bet Now |
| Draw | 4/1 | Bet Now |
| Leicester City to Win | 7/1 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score – No | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| Under 3.5 Goals | 8/15 | Bet Now |
| Nottingham Forest Clean Sheet | 6/5 | Bet Now |
| Chris Wood Anytime Scorer | 6/5 | Bet Now |
| Nottingham Forest Win to Nil | 7/5 | Bet Now |
With Forest chasing a European spot and Leicester looking to salvage some pride, expect a charged atmosphere at The City Ground-but all signs point to a home celebration when the final whistle blows.
