Premier League Matchweek 17
Date: Monday, December 22, 2025
Venue: Craven Cottage, London
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
The final Premier League fixture before Christmas sees Fulham host Nottingham Forest at the historic Craven Cottage, with both sides aiming to pull clear of the lower half of the table.
Fulham currently sit around 15th with 20 points, while Nottingham Forest, revitalised under Sean Dyche, are just behind on 18 points following an impressive 3–0 victory over Tottenham. With momentum, pride, and crucial points at stake, this promises to be a competitive Monday night clash.
Fulham Form & Standout Players
Fulham enter this match after a disappointing 2–1 EFL Cup quarter-final defeat to Newcastle, a result that may have both physical and mental impact. Despite losing their last two home league games, the Cottagers boast an excellent recent record against Forest at Craven Cottage.
Fulham Key Players (2025/26)
- Top Goalscorer: Harry Wilson (5 goals)
- Most Assists: Samuel Chukwueze (4 assists)
- Most Suspensions: Saša Lukić (5)
- Most Minutes Played: Bernd Leno (1440’)
Wilson has been Fulham’s most consistent attacking threat this season, while Leno remains a crucial presence between the posts.
Fulham Injuries & Absentees
- Calvin Bassey – Away on international duty
- Samuel Chukwueze – Away on international duty
- Alex Iwobi – Away on international duty
- Ryan Sessegnon – Hamstring injury (expected late December 2025)
- Rodrigo Muniz – Hamstring injury (expected late February 2026)
The international absences significantly weaken Fulham’s midfield and attacking depth.
Nottingham Forest Form & Standout Players
Nottingham Forest arrive in confident mood after an emphatic league win and look more organised defensively under Dyche. However, their away record at Craven Cottage remains poor, with no top-flight win here since 1967.
Nottingham Forest Key Players
- Top Goalscorer: Morgan Gibbs-White (3 goals)
- Most Assists: Ibrahim Sangaré (2 assists)
- Most Suspensions: Neco Williams (4)
- Most Minutes Played: Nikola Milenković (1440’)
Gibbs White continues to be Forest’s creative engine, while Milenković anchors the defence.
Nottingham Forest Injuries & Absentees
- Ibrahim Sangaré – Away on international duty
- Willy Boly – Away on international duty
- Nicolás Domínguez – Knee injury
- Matz Sels – Groin injury
- Ryan Yates – Hamstring injury (early January 2026)
- Taiwo Awoniyi – Muscle injury (late December 2025)
- Chris Wood – Knee injury (late December 2025)
Forest are managing several fitness concerns, particularly in attack, though their squad depth remains competitive.
Head-to-Head Record
- Fulham have won 5 of the last 6 Premier League meetings against Forest
- At Craven Cottage, Fulham have won all three Premier League encounters, scoring 9 goals and conceding just 1
- Nottingham Forest’s last top-flight win away to Fulham came in 1967
Goals have been a common theme in recent meetings, although Forest traditionally struggle to score at this venue.
Predicted Lineups (4-2-3-1)
Fulham (Manager: Marco Silva)
Predicted XI:
Bernd Leno; Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca, Antonee Robinson; Sander Berge, Saša Lukić; Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe, Adama Traoré; Raúl Jiménez
Key Men:
- Raúl Jiménez – Main goal threat
- Harry Wilson – Directly involved in 8 goals this season
- Emile Smith Rowe – Creative influence
Nottingham Forest (Manager: Sean Dyche)
Predicted XI:
Matz Sels; Nicolò Savona, Nikola Milenković, Murillo, Neco Williams; Elliot Anderson, Douglas Luiz; Omari Hutchinson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi; Igor Jesus
Key Men:
- Morgan Gibbs-White – Playmaker and leader
- Callum Hudson-Odoi – Strong recent form
- Igor Jesus – Physical presence up front
Fulham vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
Fulham’s dominant home record against Forest gives them confidence, but international absences and midweek fatigue could limit their effectiveness. Nottingham Forest arrive more rested and tactically disciplined, posing a real counter-attacking threat.
Recent trends suggest goals, with Fulham matches frequently seeing Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score (BTTS).
Final Verdict:
Fulham 2–1 Nottingham Forest or Fulham 2–2 Nottingham Forest
Expect an open and entertaining contest, with Fulham’s home pride matched by Forest’s growing momentum. BTTS and Over 2.5 Goals look like strong picks for this Premier League fixture.