Both sides have shown weaknesses at the back this season. Fulham have conceded in each of their past nine games across all competitions, whilst Forest have conceded 11 goals across their last 6 games. The Cottagers also have the 6th worst total xGA in the league and the 5th worst defensive record, a pretty accurate representation of their defensive struggles.

However, both teams have also shown their ability to score goals. Fulham come into this game off the back of scoring 3 goals away at Anfield, against, at the time, the joint-best defence in the league, as well as netting 3 goals against Wolves the week prior. Three of Fulham’s four league wins this season have come at Craven Cottage and after coming so close to stealing 3 points from Liverpool only a few days ago, we expect some of that fire will still be burning in the bellies of the Fulham squad.

Nottingham Forest are also enjoying life in front of goal having scored in four of their past six league games. Steve Cooper’s side were very unfortunate to be kept at bay against Everton at the weekend, where there were a handful of chances for them to take an early lead or level the game up later on in the second half. Forest’s away form is certainly worrying leading into this clash, their recent goalscoring form and a leaky Fulham defence will likely see them grab a goal though.

Predictions:

⚽ Both teams to score @ 1.80

⚽ Over 2.5 goals @ 2.00

Willian has been a key goal threat for the Cottagers this season. The Brazilian is Fulham’s joint-top goalscorer with 3 goals and often shows his threat from set pieces as well as from open play. Willian is first-choice for both penalty and free kicks, which against a side that averages 11.30 fouls per 90, could invite some attacking value.

Willian averages 2.02 shots on goal per 90, with 0.81 hitting the target. His shots are taken from an average distance of 22.8 yards, mostly a result of his free kick efforts, so don’t be too discouraged by his low on-target percentage. As always, total shots is a safer angle here.

Anthony Elanga will be hoping to re-ignite his goalscoring touch after his blank against Everton spoiled his streak of scoring in 3 consecutive league matches. Two of his three goals have come in London, netting against West Ham and Chelsea, the latter was the winner just down the road from Craven Cottage, which could be a positive omen for Wednesday night.

Elanga is averaging a strong 2.47 shots per 90 and 1.08 shots on target per 90. He has been Forest’s most influential attacking asset for a few weeks now and will no doubt be looking to shine again here.

Predictions:

🚀 Willian to have 2+ shots @ 1.40

🎯 Willian to have 1+ shots on target @ 1.67

🚀 Anthony Elanga to have 2+ shots @ 1.73

🎯 Anthony Elanga to have 1+ shots on target @ 2.00

These sides share an identical disciplinary record so far this campaign, accumulating 37 yellow cards – joint-seventh place for most bookings in the league.

The hosts are slightly better disciplined as they average 10.60 fouls per 90 minutes compared to Forest’s 11.30, which means we could be in for a hot-headed affair.

Both teams average 2.64 yellows per 90, with Nottingham Forest drawing 2.14 from their opponents and Fulham have drawn 1.64 per game.

Over 3.5 cards has occurred in 9 of 14 Forest fixtures this season, and over 4.5 cards in 8 of 14.

Predictions:

🟨 Over 3.5 cards @ 1.33

🟨 Over 4.5 cards @ 1.83

🟨 Over 1.5 Nottingham Forest cards @ 1.29