Nottingham Forest host Malmo in the Europa League on Thursday evening, fresh off the back of their triumph over Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday. The game kicks off at 8:00pm, live on TNT Sports, and below you can find our match preview and best bets.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on clear attacking superiority and defensive discipline, we’re strongly backing Nottingham Forest to secure all three points. Malmo’s conversion woes and leaky defence make them hard to trust, while the statistical edge in big chances and expected goals sits firmly with the hosts. Here are our top betting recommendations for this match, with Nottingham Forest to win as our standout pick.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest to Win to Nil | 1/1 @ Bet365 (50.0%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Malmo sit 33rd in the Europa League standings, having collected just one point from four matches. The Swedish side have struggled badly, falling to Ludogorets 2-1, Viktoria Plzen 3-0, and Panathinaikos 1-0, while only managing a 1-1 draw with Dinamo Zagreb. Despite being heavy favourites at 1/5, the hosts’ struggles make Nottingham Forest to win to nil at even money a more appealing option, especially given their improved confidence and defensive form. |
| Correct Score: 2-0 Forest | 5/1 @ Bet365 (16.7%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Sean Dyche’s side have made a strong start in the Europa League, earning four points from their last two games. They began with an impressive 2-0 win at home against Porto, followed by a scoreless draw in Austria against Sturm Graz, during which Morgan Gibbs-White missed a first-half penalty. Given the defensive solidity they have displayed under their new manager, another 2-0 result seems well within reach. |
Our approach: Start with Forest to win, add Correct Score for bigger returns. Consider BTTS No for Bet Builder value.
Odds correct at the time of writing.
How both teams go into Nottingham Forest vs Malmo
Malmo return to action for the first time in 18 days after ending their 2025 Allsvenskan season with a 2-1 win over GAIS, coming from behind at half-time. The 27-time Swedish champions finished a disappointing sixth, 26 points behind surprise winners Mjallby AIF, and will miss out on European football next season unless they can pull off a major Europa League upset.
Their chances in Europe look slim. Malmo are one of only five teams in the 36-club table yet to win a game in the group stage, most recently losing 1-0 at home to Rafael Benitez’s Panathinaikos, making progression to the knockout rounds a tough challenge.
Nottingham Forest have thrived under new manager Sean Dyche, picking up seven points from their last three Premier League games, including a 3-0 win at Liverpool that lifted them out of the relegation zone.
In Europe, Forest have earned four points from their last two Europa League matches, beating Porto 2-0 at home and drawing 0-0 with Sturm Graz despite a missed penalty from Morgan Gibbs-White. They now aim to extend their unbeaten home run as they host Malmo, who have lost their last two European away games by a combined 8-0.
Season Form & Standings
2025/26 season to date.
Nottingham Forest have started brighter in Europe, sitting 23rd with a +1 goal difference and 25% win rate from 4 matches, while Malmo languish at 33rd on just 1 point and a worrying -5 goal difference. Both teams are struggling to convert draws into wins, but Forest have proven more resilient at the back.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest | 23 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 5 |
| Malmo FF | 33 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 7 | -5 | 1 |
Conclusion
With Forest offering a cleaner disciplinary record, more big chances per game, and home advantage, all the statistical signals point to a home win. Malmo’s struggles to convert and defensive lapses leave them as outsiders, reflected in the top price of 1/1 @ Bet365 (50.0%) for a Forest victory to nil. If Forest can maintain their attacking efficiency, this could be a comfortable evening.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
