Nottingham Forest host FC Midtjylland at the City Ground in the Europa League knockout stage, with both sides eager to take an early advantage in a promising first-leg clash.
Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland Form and Head to Head
Nottingham Forest head into this European fixture on the back of a hard-fought 2-2 draw away to Manchester City in their last Premier League outing. This result follows a challenging period for the Reds, who have now failed to win in their last four matches across all competitions.
Their last six games include a mix of results: a 2-2 draw with Manchester City, a 2-1 loss to Brighton, a 2-1 home defeat to Fenerbahce in the Europa League, a 1-0 home loss to Liverpool, a 3-0 away loss to Fenerbahce, and a 0-0 home draw against Wolves. The hosts have struggled for consistency at the City Ground recently, reflecting their mixed domestic and European form.
FC Midtjylland, on the other hand, arrive in England in a more confident vein, having secured a 1-1 home draw against AGF in their last Cup fixture. The Danish outfit has demonstrated strong form in their domestic league, and their last six results show a solid run: a 1-1 home draw against AGF, a 0-0 home draw against Brondby IF, an impressive 4-0 away victory over Silkeborg, a 4-1 away win against OB, and a 1-0 away win over AGF in the Cup. The visitors are building momentum and will look to continue their impressive run.
There has only been one previous competitive meeting between these two sides, which occurred earlier in this Europa League campaign. FC Midtjylland emerged victorious in that encounter, beating Nottingham Forest 3-2 away from home on October 2, 2025. This result will undoubtedly give the Danish side a psychological edge as they return to the City Ground.
Who is the Betting Favourite in Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland?
Nottingham Forest are clear betting favourites to beat FC Midtjylland. Latest odds imply roughly a 64% chance of a Forest win, around 21% for the draw, and 15% for Midtjylland.
| Match Result | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest | 8/15 | Sporting Index |
| FC Midtjylland | 11/2 | Star Sports |
| Draw | 18/5 | BresBet |
Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Sangaré; Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Hutchinson; Jesus.
FC Midtjylland (3-4-1-2): Ólafsson; Diao, Bech, Erlic; Mbabu, Castillo, Billing, Jensen; Simsir; Cho, Brumado.
Lineups powered by WhoScored.
Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland Team News
Nottingham Forest face a number of injury concerns ahead of this crucial European tie. The hosts will be without Chris Wood, Nicolò Savona, John Victor, and Willy Boly, all sidelined with knee injuries. January signing Luca Netz is also ineligible for the Europa League squad.
Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega will be assessed closer to kick-off due to a calf issue, meaning Matz Sels could continue between the sticks. Vítor Pereira may opt for natural width by recalling Callum Hudson-Odoi and Omari Hutchinson, while Igor Jesus is expected to lead the line after an impressive seven goals in eight Europa League appearances this season.
FC Midtjylland are also dealing with key absences. Top scorer Franculino, who has netted 21 goals in all competitions, is out injured, as is Mikel Gogorza. Additionally, winger Dario Osorio is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Junior Brumado and Gue-sung Cho are both pushing for starting spots in attack alongside Aral Simsir, while Kevin Mbabu and Philip Billing are expected to retain their places in the starting XI.
Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland Match Facts
This first leg promises to be a tightly contested affair. Nottingham Forest, despite a mixed run of form and struggles for consistency at the City Ground, will be desperate to make a mark in Europe. However, their vulnerabilities to attacks down the wings and from set-piece situations, as highlighted by statistical analysis, could be exploited.
FC Midtjylland arrive with strong momentum and have already shown they can trouble Forest, having secured a 3-2 victory in their previous encounter. The Danish side also boasts strengths in attacking down the wings and creating chances, mirroring Forest's offensive attributes, but also share similar defensive weaknesses. Given these evenly matched characteristics and the stakes of a knockout tie, a draw seems a fitting outcome, setting up a tantalising second leg.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 FC Midtjylland
Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland Match Stat Trend
Our EV Eagle has picked out five trending player stats for Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland.
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Denil Castillo has exceeded 0.5 Shots in 4 of their last 5 games.
Best odds of 4/5 at BetMGM UK while publishing.
Elliot Anderson has exceeded 1.5 Shots in 4 of their last 5 games.
Best odds of 17/20 at Star Sports while publishing.
Igor Jesus has managed To Score Or Assist in 3 of their last 5 games.
Best odds of 5/6 at William Hill whie publishing.
Cho Gue-sung has exceeded 1.5 Fouls in 4 of their last 6 games.
Best odds of Evens at Sporting Index while publishing.
Valdemar Byskov Andreasen has exceeded 0.5 Shots On Target in 3 of their last 5 games.
Best odds of 10/11 at Coral while publishing.
Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland Bet Builder Tip
Our Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland Bet Builder Tip is:
- C. Hudson-Odoi Over 0.5 - Shots On Target
- Morgan Gibbs-White - To Score Or Assist
- Yes - Both Teams To Score
- Igor Jesus - Anytime Goalscorer
Best odds of 7/1 available at bet365 while publishing.
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