Nottingham Forest vs Burnley Predictions and Picks: Struggles Continue for Basement-Dwellers

This Premier League game week slate ends with a big game on Monday night at the City Ground between Nottingham Forest and Burnley. Last year, Nottingham Forest flirted with relegation but they entered this weekend in the top half, while newly-promoted Burnley were stuck at the bottom of the Premier League table.

Can Burnley get points on the board or will the impressive Nottingham Forest start continue? Don’t miss our Nottingham Forest vs Burnley betting picks and predictions for September 18.

Nottingham Forest vs Burnley best odds

Nottingham Forest vs Burnley picks and predictions

This matchup might not feature any of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, but that doesn’t matter because this should be a hugely entertaining game.

For Nottingham Forest it’s been an electric start. They entered this game week ninth in the Premier League table, having won two and lost two of their opening four games. They already looked much improved from last year’s team who nearly got relegated. Then there’s Burnley, the visitors, and the newly-promoted Premier League team have yet to adapt to the league despite winning the Championship with ease last year. They came into this week rock bottom of the table, and the only team, along with Luton Town, yet to pick up a point. It’s worth noting that both Burnley and Luton have played a game less though, with the fixture between them being rearranged. That said, I’m expecting the rot to continue for Burnley.

There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, the away team. Burnley played with real swagger in the Championship last year, but so far this season they’ve tried to continue playing that brand of soccer in the Premier League. You have to admire Vincent Kompany’s commitment to his style but it’s something that’s left them open at times and seems very naive given the quality of the teams in this division. 

Burnley have been trounced 3-0 by Man City, 3-1 by Aston Villa, and 5-2 by Spurs. Admittedly, these three are good sides but to go into those games and not change your system is at best a mistake, at worst arrogance. Burnley fans will point to a 1-0 EFL Cup win over Forest at the City Ground at the end of last month, but those games didn’t feature the best players and can’t really be used to predict this game.

Steve Cooper has done a great job with Forest. Last season they took some time to get going, probably because they signed a whole new squad’s worth of players and they needed to get them bedded in. Although they signed more on deadline day of the transfer window this year, it does feel like a more settled team.

Some of last year’s signings, like Taiwo Awoniyi, have really hit the ground running this year and the Nigerian has already bagged three goals and an assist. In addition to the goal threat of Awoniyi, they’ve also kept hold of Morgan Gibbs-White. The young Englishman was part of the Under 21 team that won the European Championships in the summer, and for my money should be part of the senior team. He’s a hugely talented player and is likely to be the best on the field on Monday. His passing and vision are exceptional and he’ll create chances for those around him.

With the talent of the Forest team and Burnley unable to adapt their style of play to the demands of the Premier League, I see a Forest win here, at a nice price of +115.

My best bet: Nottingham Forest (+!15 at TonyBet)

Nottingham Forest vs Burnley same-game parlay

Nottingham Forest to win
Awoniyi to score anytime
Both teams to receive a card

+350 at bet365

I’m taking the +350 on offer for this same-game parlay. It seems like a great price to supersize from our best bet of Forest to win.

Speaking of our best bet, it’ll also be the first leg of this Same-Game Parlay, so we’ll take Forest to win. I’ve been really impressed by Steve Cooper, who has turned this team into a functional unit.

Next up I’ll be backing Taiwo Awoniyi to score his fourth of the season. He’s averaging 1.8 shots per game and has already displayed his great finishing. He’s direct and dangerous, particularly on the counter, and will be a thorn in the side for Burnley.

Last up, we’ll take both teams to get one or more bookings. For Burnley in particular, this already feels like a must-win and they’ll need to try and force their way into this game, while I can see the Forest players committing fouls in front of a fired-up and passionate crowd under the floodlights at the City Ground.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Nottingham Forest vs Burnley side and Over/Under analysis

As my best bet show,s I’m expecting a Nottingham Forest win here which is a big price for me, at +115. If you wanted to back the draw you can get +250, which feels slightly more likely that Burnley winning, which is shorter at +220.

The bookies have Over 2.5 and Under 2.5 as a pick’em and personally I’d take the Under. Forest, while they should win, don’t have the same attacking quality as some of the teams Burnley have faced so far, while I’m confident of a Forest shut-out.

Nottingham Forest vs Burnley game info

Nottingham Forest vs Burnley key injuries

Nottingham Forest: Danilo CM (Questionable), Warner Hennessy GK (Questionable).
Burnley: Michael Obademi STR (Out), Dario Churlinov RM (Out), Hjalmar Ekdal CB (Out), Anna’s Zaroury FWR (Out), Vitinho FB (Questionable).

Nottingham Forest vs Burnley recent league form

Teams	Recent Premier League Form
Nottingham Forest	L-W-L-W
Burnley	L-L-L

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