Ipswich vs Nottingham Forest (Premier League) Odds and Bets 23.10.2026

Ipswich Town host Nottingham Forest at Portman Road on Friday 23 October, with kick-off at 8pm BST. Gary O’Neil’s side sit tenth in the Premier League, while Forest are struggling in eighteenth after seven matches.

Both teams arrive following narrow defeats, with Ipswich losing 3-2 at Manchester City and Forest falling 1-0 to Arsenal. The hosts have shown plenty of attacking ambition but remain vulnerable defensively, while Forest have produced their best attacking performances away from home. I expect chances at both ends, making the goals markets more appealing than choosing an outright winner.

Ipswich Town vs Nottingham Forest: match preview

Ipswich have made an entertaining return to the Premier League, collecting nine points from seven matches. Their latest defeat against Manchester City demonstrated their attacking potential, with Daizen Maeda and Zian Flemming both scoring against the league leaders.

The hosts have won two of their opening three home league fixtures, including 2-1 victories over Sunderland and Fulham. However, conceding in every Premier League match remains a concern.

Forest have endured a more difficult start under Oliver Glasner, collecting just five points. Their latest defeat against Arsenal extended their losing streak to three games, although they remained competitive for much of the contest.

Recent form and key results

Ipswich have scored 11 goals and conceded 15 across seven Premier League fixtures. Five of those matches have featured at least three goals, highlighting their attacking ambition and defensive weaknesses. Their performances at Portman Road have been encouraging, particularly the victories over Sunderland and Fulham. However, O’Neil’s side have struggled to protect their goal consistently.

Team news and the main uncertainty

Ipswich are monitoring Saša Lukić, who missed the Manchester City match with a minor groin problem. His potential return would strengthen O’Neil’s midfield options. Maeda remains an important attacking threat, while Flemming’s recent goalscoring contribution gives the hosts another option around the penalty area. Forest have more significant selection concerns. Morgan Gibbs-White missed the Arsenal defeat with a muscular issue, although his possible return would improve the visitors’ creativity. Nicolò Savona and Igor Jesus have also been sidelined, while Nikola Milenković recently resumed training following his absence.

Liam Delap and Dan Ndoye provide attacking options, particularly when Forest can break quickly into space. Ipswich played on Saturday 17 October, while Forest faced Arsenal on Sunday, giving the hosts one additional day of recovery. Gibbs-White’s availability remains the main uncertainty before Friday’s match.

Tactical analysis: can Forest exploit Ipswich’s defensive problems?

Ipswich have adopted an attacking approach under O’Neil, using Maeda’s movement and pace to create opportunities in transition.

That approach has helped them score twice against both Fulham and Manchester City, but it has also left them exposed defensively. Conceding 15 goals in seven matches is a significant concern. Forest should have opportunities to exploit those spaces. Delap provides a physical presence in attack, while Ndoye can stretch the opposition defence. If Gibbs-White returns, his creativity could make Forest particularly dangerous between the lines.

However, the visitors have struggled to convert chances consistently, particularly at home. Their record of five goals across seven league matches suggests they cannot rely entirely on attacking quality. Ipswich’s home form and Forest’s stronger away performances point towards a competitive contest. Both sides have enough attacking options to score, but neither defence offers much reassurance. I expect a relatively open match, making over 2.5 goals my preferred betting angle.

Ipswich Town vs Nottingham Forest: alternative betting odds

Forest are slight favourites, but their inconsistent results make the goals and combined-result markets more interesting than the traditional 1X2 selection. The following fractional odds are pre-match prices for 23 October 2026.