The first leg of the 2025/26 Europa League last-16 tie between Nottingham Forest (England) and Midtjylland (Denmark) will take place on 12 March at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest vs Midtjylland: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Nottingham Forest
It is worth recalling that Nottingham Forest are featuring in European competition for the first time in the 21st century. At the first attempt, the home team have reached the Europa League last 16. In the league phase, the club finished 13th, suffering only two defeats (four wins and two draws). Incidentally, one of those losses came at home to Midtjylland (2:3). The English side progressed to the play-offs and, in the first leg away from home, they effectively settled the tie by thrashing Fenerbahce 3:0. In the return match, the hosts played for the result and allowed themselves to lose (1:2).
- Nottingham Forest have avoided defeat in six of their previous eight matches in this tournament (five wins and one draw).
- At least three goals have been scored in five of Nottingham Forest's last six Europa League games.
- One of the two sides failed to score in six of the English side's previous eight matches in this European competition.
Potential Nottingham Forest Lineup (3-4-2-1)*
Matz Sels – Cunha, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo – Ola Aina, Neco Williams, Elliot Anderson, Ibrahim Sangare – Morgan Gibbs-White, Nicolas Dominguez – Igor Jesus.
The injured players include forward Chris Wood, defenders Nikola Savona and Willy Boly, and goalkeeper John Victor.
Midtjylland
The Scandinavians have reached the last 16 of a European competition for the first time in their history. Moreover, the away team did so with relative ease, finishing third in the league phase of the tournament. In eight matches, the Danes recorded six wins (one draw and one defeat). It is also worth noting that Midtjylland scored the most in the league phase (alongside Lyon) – 18 goals. Ahead of this match, the visitors are on a three-game unbeaten run in the Europa League, with two wins and one draw.
- Midtjylland have won 10 of their previous 12 matches in this tournament (one draw and one defeat).
- Three or more goals have been scored in five of Midtjylland's last seven games in this European competition.
- Midtjylland have scored at least twice in 10 of their previous 12 Europa League matches.
Potential Midtjylland Lineup (3-4-3)*
Elias Olafsson – Mads Sorensen, Martin Erlic, Lee Han-Beom – Kevin Mbabu, Viktor Bak, Philip Billing, Pedro Bravo – Aral Simsir, Dario Osorio, Junior Brumado.
Midfielder Dario Osorio is unavailable due to suspension.
Referee
Rade Obrenovic (Slovenia)
Matches – 11 (international fixtures, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second bookings) – 49;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.4;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 0%.
Nottingham Forest vs Midtjylland: Match Prediction
The sides met in October in matchday two of the league phase, when the English side lost 2:3 at home. In the first half of the opening period, the teams not only traded goals but also scored three times. We expect the play-off tie to produce entertaining, high-scoring football as well. After all, matches involving the Danes have been among the most exciting in this tournament – an average of 3.25 goals have been scored, while the English side have averaged 2.8 goals per game in the Europa League.
It is worth looking at both teams scoring in this game. Nottingham Forest have found the net in eight of their previous 10 matches in this European competition. Meanwhile, Midtjylland have scored in all of their last 12 games in this tournament. In addition, the English side have scored in all five of their home matches in the Europa League, hitting at least twice on four of those occasions. The Scandinavians have scored in each of their previous six away games in this European competition, and in five matches in that run they netted two or three goals.
Prediction: Both teams to score – Yes
* For each team, the starting line-up from their previous match is listed.
