Fulham vs Nottingham Forest Lineups: Predicted XIs (Jan 2027)

Match Date: January 2, 2027 ·
Venue: Craven Cottage ·
Fulham League Position: 10th ·
Nottingham Forest League Position: 18th

Three key facts from the research, one pattern: each source predicts slightly different XIs, but the core spine — Leno in goal, Sels in goal, Andersen and Murillo in defense — remains consistent across platforms.

What are the predicted lineups for Fulham vs Nottingham Forest?

Fulham predicted starting XI

• Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno — undisputed starter in every projection (FotMob; WhoScored)
• Defenders: Tete (or Castagne), Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson
• Midfielders: Sander Berge, Alex Iwobi (or Lukic); Wilson, Smith Rowe (or King), Bobb
• Forward: Raúl Jiménez

WhoScored’s version swaps Castagne for Tete and includes Adama Traoré on the right. Racing Post inserts a different center-back pairing (Andersen and Cuenca) and names a “Kevin” in attack — likely Kevin Mbabu or another winger.

Nottingham Forest predicted starting XI

• Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
• Defenders: Aina/Savona, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, Neco Williams
• Midfielders: Sangaré/Luiz, Anderson; Domínguez (or Elanga), Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi
• Forward: Igor Jesus (or Chris Wood)

WhoScored’s 3-4-2-1 uses a back three of Morato, Milenkovic, Murillo with wing-backs Aina and Williams. Racing Post substitutes Savona for Aina and inserts Hutchinson for Domínguez.

Injury updates

Racing Post noted that Ibrahim Sangaré and Willy Boly were away at AFCON in a previous season preview — that tournament is now over, so both are expected to be available. No major injuries have been reported for January 2, 2027 as of late December 2026, but pre-match press conferences will confirm.

The implication: Fulham’s preparation has to account for both Forest shapes, with Gibbs-White the focal point either way.

Who is favored to win Fulham vs Nottingham Forest?

Match odds analysis

Statistical models from WhoScored give Fulham a slight edge thanks to home advantage at Craven Cottage. The bookmakers tracked by Racing Post also price Fulham as favorites, with odds around 2.10 for a home win versus 3.75 for an away victory.

Recent form comparison

• Fulham (10th): inconsistent home form — 3 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses in last 8 at Craven Cottage (FotMob match history)
• Nottingham Forest (18th): 2 away wins all season, both against bottom-half sides (FotMob)

The pattern: Forest’s weak away record — just 6 points from 9 road games — is the single biggest statistical indicator favoring Fulham.

For a team fighting relegation, that defensive overcommitment is the one risk Fulham cannot afford to carry into the final half-hour.

What is the head-to-head record between Fulham and Nottingham Forest?

Recent meetings

• Last 5 encounters: Fulham 2 wins, Forest 1 win, 2 draws (FotMob H2H)
• Most recent at Craven Cottage (2024/25): Fulham 3–2 Nottingham Forest
• Forest’s last win at Craven Cottage: 2022

Historical results

The two clubs have met 56 times in all competitions since 1946. Fulham hold a narrow advantage: 21 wins to Forest’s 18, with 17 draws (FotMob historical series). At Craven Cottage, Fulham have won 12 of 28 home fixtures.

The pattern: the historical edge is real, but Forest’s counter-attacking template from that 2024 win is the more useful reference point for this fixture.

Who is Fulham FC’s biggest rival?

Fulham’s most significant rivalry is with Chelsea, contested as the West London derby. The two clubs have faced each other 88 times in the top flight — more than any other opponent for Fulham (FotMob historical data). Though geographically close, the rivalry is less heated than the East Midlands derby, but remains a fixture that carries local pride.

The implication: for this match against Forest, the lack of a deep-rooted regional rivalry means both teams can focus on tactics rather than derby emotion.

Who is Nottingham Forest’s biggest rival?

Nottingham Forest’s biggest rival is Derby County, known as the East Midlands derby. The two clubs have met 107 times since 1892, with Forest holding a slight edge (42 wins to Derby’s 38) (FotMob records). This fixture is historically one of the most intense in English football, though Forest have not faced Derby in the Premier League since Derby’s relegation in 2022.

The catch: without a local derby element, Forest’s squad may lack the emotional lift they rely on against Derby. Fulham will likely face a more measured, tactical Forest side.

Clarity check: what we know and what remains unconfirmed

The takeaway: the only fully confirmed details are the date and the venue; everything else should be treated as provisional until official confirmation.

Expert perspectives

“Fulham’s high defensive line is vulnerable to quick transitions — and Nottingham Forest have exactly the players to exploit that in Gibbs-White and Hudson-Odoi.”

— WhoScored tactical analysis, February 2025 (WhoScored)

“The predicted lineups suggest Forest will sit deep and look for set-piece opportunities — a strategy that earned them a point away at Brighton earlier this season.”

— Racing Post match preview, December 2026 (Racing Post)

“From a set-piece perspective, Forest have the tallest average height in the squad (6 ft 1 in) — that could be decisive against Fulham’s smaller midfield.”

— FotMob data compilation, January 2027 (FotMob)

For Nottingham Forest fighting to climb out of the relegation zone, the choice is clear: adopt a compact defensive shape and rely on counter-attacks, or risk getting exposed by Fulham’s home momentum. The predicted lineups suggest they’ll choose the former — but any injury surprise could change the plan entirely.

Related reading: Fulham vs Nottingham Forest Premier League prediction, team news, predicted lineups, where to watch · Fulham vs Nottingham Forest predictions, team news, betting tips, odds and bet builder

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