The Europa League round of 16 brings an intriguing clash between Nottingham Forest and FC Midtjylland. The English side will host the first leg at the City Ground, hoping to take an advantage before the return fixture in Denmark. This encounter promises to be a thrilling one, as both teams have shown attacking intent throughout their European campaigns. Forest are looking to bounce back after a mixed run of results, while Midtjylland arrive in excellent form and full of confidence.

Nottingham Forest’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Nottingham Forest come into this match after a 2-2 draw against Manchester City on March 4, a result that ended a three-game losing streak. Their recent record shows inconsistency, with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions. In those games, they have averaged 1.4 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per match. Despite their struggles domestically, Forest have been competitive in Europe, recording 5 wins, 2 draws, and 3 defeats in the Europa League this season, with an average of 1.9 goals scored and 0.9 conceded per game.

Forest’s home form has been less convincing, as they have lost at half time in their last three matches and have seen under 0.5 goals scored in two of their last ten home fixtures. However, their attacking duo of Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White has been crucial in keeping their European hopes alive. Jesus leads the Europa League scoring charts with seven goals, while Gibbs-White has contributed five goal involvements. The absence of Chris Wood, John Victor, Willy Boly, and Nicolo Savona due to injuries could affect their attacking depth, but Forest will still look to make the most of their home advantage.

FC Midtjylland’s Recent Form and Key Stats

FC Midtjylland travel to England in superb form. The Danish side drew 1-1 against AGF on March 8, extending their unbeaten run to eight matches in all competitions. Over their last five games, they have recorded 3 wins and 2 draws, averaging 2.0 goals scored and just 0.4 conceded per match. Their Europa League campaign has been outstanding, with 10 wins, 3 draws, and only 1 defeat, scoring an average of 2.1 goals while conceding 0.7.

Midtjylland’s away form has been particularly impressive. They have scored at least one goal in each of their last 14 away matches and have found the net in 27 of their last 28 games overall. In addition, they have won at half time in 9 of their last 12 Europa League matches. Their attacking consistency is further highlighted by the fact that over 0.5 goals have been scored in the second half of 26 of their last 28 matches. Even without suspended forward Dario Osorio and long-term absentees Franculino, Mikel Gorgoza, and Ola Brynhildsen, the visitors remain a potent threat. Junior Brumado has stepped up impressively with 16 goals this season, while Aral Simsir continues to be a creative force in midfield.

Head-to-Head and Tactical Overview

The only previous meeting between these two sides came earlier this season, when FC Midtjylland triumphed 3-2 in Nottingham. That match was a high-scoring affair, and both teams have maintained strong attacking records since then. Forest will aim to tighten their defense this time, but their recent tendency to concede early could be a concern. Midtjylland, on the other hand, have shown they can start fast, often taking the lead before halftime in European fixtures.

Given the attacking profiles of both teams, this first leg could once again produce plenty of goals. Forest’s need to secure a home advantage will push them forward, while Midtjylland’s counter-attacking efficiency and confidence on the road make them dangerous opponents. The Danish side’s ability to maintain composure away from home, combined with their consistent scoring record, suggests they will not sit back even in a tough away environment.

Statistical Summary

• Nottingham Forest – Last 5 matches: 1 win, 1 draw, 3 defeats.


• FC Midtjylland – Last 5 matches: 3 wins, 2 draws, 0 defeats.


• Average goals per match: Forest 1.9 scored / 0.9 conceded; Midtjylland 2.1 scored / 0.7 conceded (Europa League).


• Over 0.5 goals in the second half in 26 of the last 28 Midtjylland matches.


• At least one goal scored by Midtjylland in their last 14 away matches.


• Last head-to-head: Nottingham Forest 2–3 FC Midtjylland (October 2025).

Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland Prediction and Final Analysis

All signs point to another entertaining and open contest between these two sides. Forest’s defensive vulnerabilities and Midtjylland’s attacking momentum suggest that both teams will find the net. The English side will rely on their home crowd to push them forward, but the visitors’ efficiency in front of goal could prove decisive once again. With both averaging close to two goals per game in Europe, a high-scoring match seems likely.

According to the latest data, the win probabilities stand at Nottingham Forest 32%, Draw 24%, and FC Midtjylland 44%. The likelihood of Both Teams To Score – Yes is 55%, while the chance of Over 2.5 goals is also 55%. These figures underline the expectation of an open and attacking encounter.

Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland prediction by BetMines:
Over 2.5 goals with 55% probability.