The final round of the Europa League League Phase brings an intriguing clash at the City Ground, where Nottingham Forest will host Ferencvárosi Budapest. With both sides still fighting for their respective objectives, this encounter promises intensity and drama. Forest currently sit 16th in the standings, while Ferencvárosi occupy seventh place, and both teams know that a positive result could shape their European destiny. The match is scheduled for January 29 at 20:00 GMT, and fans can expect a thrilling evening of football.

Nottingham Forest’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Nottingham Forest approach this decisive fixture after a mixed run of results. Their recent 0-2 victory away to Brentford on January 25 provided a much-needed boost following a difficult spell. Over their last five matches, Forest have recorded two wins, two draws, and one defeat, averaging 1.4 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per game. In the Europa League, their record stands at three wins, two draws, and two losses, with an average of 1.6 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per match.

Despite flashes of quality, consistency has been an issue for the English side. At home, Forest have struggled to impose themselves, winning only one of their last five matches across all competitions. Defensive lapses have also been costly, with the team conceding two or more goals in three of their last five home fixtures. The City Ground, once a fortress, has recently become a testing ground for their resilience.

In terms of personnel, Forest will be without Elliot Anderson, who is suspended following a red card in the previous Europa League match. John Victor and Chris Wood remain sidelined through injury, while new signing Lorenzo Lucca is ineligible for this fixture. On a positive note, Igor Jesus, who missed the trip to Braga, is expected to return and could play a key role in attack after scoring four goals in this competition so far.

Ferencvárosi’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Ferencvárosi Budapest enter this match as one of the most consistent teams in the Europa League this season. They remain unbeaten in the competition with a record of four wins and three draws, averaging 1.7 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per game. Their away form has been particularly impressive, collecting seven points from a possible nine in the group stage and maintaining an unbeaten run of 19 away matches across all competitions.

Although they suffered a 1-3 defeat to Győri ETO in domestic action on January 25, Ferencvárosi’s overall form remains solid. In their last five matches, they have registered two wins, one draw, and two defeats, scoring an average of 1.0 goal per game while conceding 1.2. The Hungarian side have shown remarkable consistency in front of goal, scoring in 28 of their last 29 matches and in each of their last 13 away fixtures. Moreover, they have not trailed at half time in 18 of their last 20 games, underlining their ability to stay competitive throughout matches.

With top scorer Barnabás Varga having departed for AEK Athens, the attacking responsibility now falls on Bamidele Yusuf. The Nigerian forward has already contributed two goals and two assists in this Europa League campaign and will be eager to extend his tally. The absence of Toon Raemaekers through suspension could see Barnabás Nagy earn his first start in the competition, adding further intrigue to the visitors’ lineup.

Match Analysis and Tactical Overview

This encounter pits two teams with contrasting trajectories but similar ambitions. Nottingham Forest will rely on home support to push for a result that could secure their progression, while Ferencvárosi aim to preserve their unbeaten record and potentially climb into the top three of the group standings. Forest’s challenge will be to find attacking rhythm without leaving gaps at the back, as their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed in recent weeks.

Ferencvárosi’s strength lies in their structured approach and ability to strike on the counter. Their impressive away record suggests they are comfortable absorbing pressure before exploiting spaces in transition. Given both teams’ recent scoring patterns, an open and entertaining match seems likely. Forest’s need for victory and Ferencvárosi’s attacking consistency could lead to a contest filled with chances at both ends.

• Nottingham Forest have scored an average of 1.6 goals per Europa League match.


• Ferencvárosi have scored in 28 of their last 29 games.


• Over 0.5 goals in the second half have been recorded in 37 of Ferencvárosi’s last 40 matches.


• Ferencvárosi are unbeaten in their last 19 away fixtures.

With both sides showing attacking intent and defensive fragility, this fixture could easily produce goals on both sides. The balance of probabilities suggests a tight but lively contest, where small details may decide the outcome.

Nottingham Forest vs Ferencvárosi Prediction

Considering the data and recent performances, the BetMines prediction for this Europa League clash leans towards Both Teams To Score (Yes) with a probability of 51%. Forest’s need for a win and Ferencvárosi’s consistent scoring record make this outcome the most plausible. Expect an engaging match where both teams find the net at least once.