Date of Tips: 21/10/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (13:39 21/10/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
AFC Bournemouth
v Nottingham Forest FC
Vitality Stadium
Premier League Matchday 9
26-10-2025 14:00
Bournemouth Form
Nottingham Form
Date: Sunday, 26 October 2025
Kick-off time: 14:00 BST
Venue: Vitality Stadium
Another weekend of Premier League football, and this one’s shaping up to be a good one. Bournemouth are flying high right now, and Nottingham Forest… well, not so much. The Vitality’s been buzzing this season, and with Bournemouth unbeaten at home, fans are feeling confident.
So, can Forest pull off a surprise, or are the Cherries about to make it another long afternoon for the visitors? Let’s take a closer look.
Bournemouth are enjoying a strong run and look full of belief under Andoni Iraola. But they’ve got a few fitness concerns to manage. Enes Ünal is still sidelined with that cruciate ligament injury, and Julio Soler’s away on international duty.
Evanilson has a calf issue and might not make it, while David Brooks is another doubt with a hamstring strain. Still, Bournemouth have shown they can cope. The likes of Justin Kluivert, Alex Scott, and Antoine Semenyo have been stepping up nicely in recent weeks.
Forest’s situation isn’t so rosy. Ola Aina’s ruled out with a hamstring problem, and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s facing a late fitness test after a muscle issue. That’s not ideal when you’re up against one of the league’s liveliest attacks.
They’ll be hoping players like Murillo, Sangaré, and Gibbs-White can dig deep and give them a chance to stay in the fight. But let’s be honest — it’s going to take a big performance to stop Bournemouth’s momentum.
Petrovic; Jiménez, Diakité, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo; Kroupi
Sels; Williams, Murillo, Milenković, Morato, Zinchenko (if fit); Luiz, Anderson, Sangaré; Gibbs-White, Awoniyi
Let’s be honest — Bournemouth have been a breath of fresh air lately. Two wins and three draws in their last five say a lot about their consistency. They’ve scored nine goals in those matches, and when you’re finding the net that often, confidence flows through the team.
Drawing 3-3 away at Crystal Palace and beating Fulham 3-1 at home shows how fearless they’ve been going forward. At the Vitality, they’ve been solid — three wins, one draw, no defeats, and just two goals conceded.
So yeah, Bournemouth fans have plenty to smile about. And with Semenyo already on six Premier League goals this season, you can bet he’ll fancy adding to that tally.
Now, Forest’s recent form? That’s another story. Four losses in their last five and ten goals conceded. Ouch. A 0-3 defeat to Chelsea last time out summed up their struggles. The defence just can’t seem to hold firm, and the attack hasn’t clicked either — only two goals scored in four away games.
They’re sitting 18th in the table with five points from eight matches. Not where they’d hoped to be, and the road doesn’t get any easier with Bournemouth waiting.
You won’t believe this, but Bournemouth haven’t lost to Forest in ten straight league meetings. Ten! That’s total domination.
The last time these two met here, Bournemouth smashed Forest 5-0. Before that, they grabbed a 3-2 win at the City Ground. Overall, the Cherries have won two of the last five clashes, with the rest ending in draws. Safe to say, they’ve got Forest’s number.
Junior Kroupi vs Murillo – This should be fun. Kroupi’s pace and movement will give Murillo plenty to think about. One mistake, and Bournemouth could be celebrating.
Alex Scott vs Elliot Anderson – Midfield control will be key. Scott’s creativity and calmness on the ball could be the difference, but Anderson won’t back down from a challenge.
Justin Kluivert – He’s been in sharp form, linking play beautifully and creating space for Semenyo and Kroupi. If he’s on it again, Forest are in for a long afternoon.
Ibrahima Sangaré – Forest’s midfield enforcer will need to work overtime. If he can’t disrupt Bournemouth’s rhythm, it’s going to be a tough day.
Here’s what I think — Bournemouth just look too strong right now. They’re unbeaten in seven, solid at home, and have been scoring for fun. Forest, on the other hand, can’t seem to stop conceding.
If you’re thinking of a bet, Bournemouth to win looks the safest play. Add over 2.5 goals, and it’s even more tempting. Both teams to score? Maybe, but with Forest’s goal drought, I wouldn’t count on it.
Let’s call it how it is — Bournemouth are in control here. Their attack looks lively, their home record is spotless, and Forest are struggling to find their feet.
I can see Bournemouth taking charge early, forcing Forest back, and getting plenty of shots off. Forest might have a few moments, but the gulf in form should show by full time.
Match Prediction: Bournemouth to win. Bet with bet365.
You know what? I’ll go with 2-1 Bournemouth. Enough quality to get it done, but Forest might sneak one if Bournemouth switch off late.
Correct Score Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Nottingham Forest. Bet with bet365.
The numbers point one way — goals. Bournemouth’s games have been full of them lately, and Forest can’t seem to keep a clean sheet. Over 2.5 feels like the right call.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Alright, if you’re building a bet for this one, here’s a combo that makes sense based on form and stats. Bournemouth are flying, Forest are leaking goals, and the Vitality crowd always seems to lift the home side.
So, here’s what I’m thinking:
Bet Builder Tip: Bournemouth to Win, Over 2.5 goals, Antoine Semenyo to Score Anytime. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Bournemouth are favourites to win, especially with their strong home form and Forest’s poor defensive record.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Nottingham Forest.
Antoine Semenyo is the top shout. He’s in form and thrives at home.
You can watch it live in the UK on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Ultra HDR from 14:00 BST on Sunday.