Nottingham Forest vs Ferencváros: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – January 29, 2026
One of the final fixtures of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League group stage will take place on Thursday at the City Ground in Nottingham, where the local side Nottingham Forest will face Hungarian giants Ferencváros. I'm backing a bet on goals in this clash, with strong chances for success.
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Match preview
Nottingham Forest are enjoying their first European campaign in 30 years and have already secured a spot in the playoff round. However, Sean Dyche's men still have a theoretical shot at finishing in the top 8, bypassing the knockout play-ins. To do so, the English side must defeat Ferencváros and hope for favorable results in the parallel fixtures.
After a painful defeat to Braga, marked by a series of bizarre and unlucky episodes, Forest bounced back with a win over Brentford in the Premier League. The team has found good form domestically and has won their last two home matches in the Europa League by a combined score of 5-0. With home advantage and plenty of motivation, the English club is expected to put on a vibrant display.
Ferencváros are one of the few clubs to remain unbeaten in this season's Europa League group stage. Robbie Keane's squad currently sit in a direct qualification spot for the round of 16 and know full well that a win in England will cement their place in the top 8. The Hungarians have already toppled opponents like Rangers, Red Bull Salzburg, and Genk, showing composure and maturity in their performances.
Despite a draw with Panathinaikos and a recent league defeat in Hungary, Fradi remain an organized and ambitious outfit. Their head-to-head history with English clubs is not in their favor, but this Ferencváros side has shown it can spring surprises. Their goal: minimize risks, play smart, and secure at least a point – which could prove decisive.
Probable lineups
- Nottingham Forest: Sels, Savona, Milenković, Morato, Williams, Yates, Sangaré, Ndoie, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Jesus
- Ferencváros: Grof, Lakatos, Cissé, Szalai, Makreckis, Levi, Romao, Kanikovski, Kadu, Zachariassen, Bamidele
Match facts and head-to-head
- Ferencváros remain unbeaten through seven Europa League group stage matches.
- Nottingham Forest have won their last two home matches in the competition by a combined score of 5-0.
- Both teams have scored in six of Ferencváros' seven matches in this campaign.
Prediction
Both teams come into this match with different objectives but similar motivation: Forest want to fight for a top-8 finish, Ferencváros want to secure their place. The home side have looked confident at the City Ground, but the visitors have proven their resilience in European competition. We expect a hard-fought contest with goals at both ends and a draw that will suit the Hungarians but leave Forest short of direct qualification.
