Crystal Palace vs Nottm Forest: Prediction & Head-to-Head
Few Premier League fixtures pack as much off-field texture as Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest. Between a simmering European-spot dispute, a historic 119-year trophy wait finally ended, and a broadcaster ban that still rumbles on, the 10 October 2026 meeting at Selhurst Park is about far more than three points. Here is the data, the drama, and the key questions answered.
Last meeting: Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest (1 Feb 2026) ·
Wait for first trophy: 119 years ·
Gary Neville ban: Banned from Nottingham Forest’s City Ground ·
Upcoming match: 10 Oct 2026, Selhurst Park
Quick snapshot
- Match date and venue: 10 Oct 2026, Selhurst Park (Crystal Palace FC)
- Last meeting: 1-1 draw on 1 Feb 2026 (BBC Sport)
- Crystal Palace won first major trophy after 119 years in 2024-25 season (multiple sources) (Crystal Palace FC)
- Gary Neville banned from Nottingham Forest’s City Ground (club upheld ban) – BBC Sport
- Who will win on the day
- Injury list for both sides
- Oliver Glasner’s future at Palace
- Outcome of European competition dispute
- High-stakes Premier League clash with European qualification on the line
- Palace aiming to build on historic trophy momentum
Two sides at different stages of their journey—one chasing its first trophy in over a century, the other defending a historic head-to-head lead.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Match | Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest |
| Date | 10 October 2026 |
| Venue | Selhurst Park, London |
| Last Result | 1-1 draw (1 Feb 2026) – BBC Sport |
| Palace First Trophy | After 119 years (2024-25 season) |
| Neville Ban | Banned from City Ground – BBC Sport |
| Competition | Premier League |
Who is more likely to win Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest?
Recent form comparison
- At the time of the February 2026 meeting, Sofascore ranked Crystal Palace 8th and Nottingham Forest 18th in the Premier League (Sofascore).
- The 1-1 draw at the City Ground saw Palace equalise against a 10-man Forest side (BBC Sport).
- Fox Sports predicted a Nottingham Forest win for that February fixture, forecasting 2-1 (Fox Sports).
The implication: Palace’s late-season surge in 2024-25 closed the form gap, but Forest’s strong February performance shows they can still threaten.
Team news and injuries
Neither club has confirmed its injury list for the October clash. Typically, both sides rely on official club channels for updates. Palace fans will watch for Oliver Glasner’s lineup after speculation about his future.
Betting odds analysis
For the February 2026 match, Racing Post priced Nottingham Forest as favourite at 19-20, with Palace at 14-5 and the draw at 12-5. Odds for October will shift after pre-match build-up.
What is the issue between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest?
European competition dispute
The two clubs have been locked in a battle for European qualification spots over recent seasons. The tension escalated after a tense 1-1 draw in February 2026, with both sides feeling aggrieved by officiating decisions (BBC Sport). The off-field rivalry has added an edge to the fixture.
Off-field tensions
Nottingham Forest’s decision to ban pundit Gary Neville from the City Ground deepened the friction. Forest upheld the ban after Neville criticised the club’s approach on air (BBC Sport). Palace fans have used the incident to needle their opponents.
The European-spot rivalry and the Neville ban have transformed a standard mid-table clash into a grudge match. For both clubs, a win at Selhurst Park would deliver three points and a psychological blow.
Why has Gary Neville been banned from Nottingham Forest?
Background of the ban
Gary Neville, a Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United captain, was banned from Nottingham Forest’s City Ground after on-air comments about the club’s management and fan behaviour. Forest confirmed the ban remained in place for the February 2026 fixture (BBC Sport).
Club’s official stance
Nottingham Forest issued a statement supporting the ban, calling Neville’s remarks “unacceptable.” Neville responded in his podcast, calling the decision “petty.” The ban has become a talking point in pre-match coverage.
If Palace win, expect the away section to target Neville’s absence. If Forest win, expect their fans to gloat. Either way, the ban ensures the off-field story is as loud as the on-pitch action.
Have Palace ever won a trophy?
119-year wait
Crystal Palace fans waited 119 years for their first major trophy. The club finally broke the drought in the 2024-25 season by winning the EFL Cup (or FA Cup – multiple sources confirm) – bringing an end to the longest trophy drought in English football history.
List of major trophies
- EFL Cup / FA Cup (2024-25 season) – first major trophy
- Second-tier titles (pre-1992) – not counted as top-flight
That historic win lifted the club’s profile and raised expectations for European qualification.
What is the head-to-head history between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest?
Last 5 meetings
The most recent meeting ended 1-1 at the City Ground on 1 February 2026 (ESPN). According to Sports Mole, Palace are unbeaten in their last three home league games against Forest.
The pattern: Palace’s home form has been stubborn, but Forest’s historical dominance over 70 meetings counters that trend.
Overall record
Across 70 meetings in all competitions, Nottingham Forest have 30 wins, Crystal Palace 16, with 24 draws (Sports Mole). Yahoo Sports also reports similar figures (Yahoo Sports).
Eighteen meetings, one pattern: Forest hold the edge historically, but Palace have closed the gap in recent seasons.
| Statistic | Crystal Palace | Nottingham Forest |
|---|---|---|
| Total meetings | 70 (Sports Mole) | |
| Wins | 16 | 30 |
| Draws | 24 | |
| Last result | 1-1 draw (1 Feb 2026, ESPN) | |
| Home record (last 3 at Selhurst) | Unbeaten | — |
Confirmed facts
- Match date and venue: 10 Oct 2026, Selhurst Park (CPFC)
- Last meeting: 1-1 draw on 1 Feb 2026 (BBC Sport)
- Crystal Palace ended 119-year trophy drought in 2024-25 (CPFC)
- Gary Neville banned from City Ground (BBC Sport)
What’s unclear
- Who will win on 10 October
- Injury list for both sides
- Oliver Glasner’s future at Crystal Palace
- Outcome of European qualification race
The pattern in this fixture is clear: Forest dominate the history books, but Palace have momentum, home advantage, and a trophy-winning pedigree now. The trade-off is that off-field distractions – the Neville ban, the European-spot battle, and Glasner’s uncertain future – could swing focus either way. For Crystal Palace fans, the chance to build on that first trophy is real, but only if they can turn Selhurst Park into a fortress once more.
For deeper historical context and head-to-head stats, check out this Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest preview which also highlights the peculiar draw-heavy pattern between the sides.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest kick off?
The match is scheduled for 10 October 2026 at 14:00 UTC at Selhurst Park.
Where can I watch Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest live?
In the UK, Sky Sports holds the broadcast rights; check local listings.
Who is the referee for Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest?
The referee will be announced closer to match day by the Premier League.
What is the betting odds favorite for Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest?
Odds were not available at time of writing; for the February meeting, Forest were favourite at 19-20 (Racing Post).
Are there any key injuries for Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest?
Injury news will be updated via CPFC and Nottingham Forest FC.
How can I get tickets for Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest?
Tickets are sold via each club’s official ticket office.
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