Sunderland have actually won five of their last six meetings with Nottingham Forest, with the Black Cats seeking a fourth straight victory at the City Ground, albeit the most-recent of which came eight years ago.
Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland preview
Can Ange Postecoglou claim his first win at Nottingham Forest manager in, what will be, his first home match since replacing Nuno Espírito Santo? On Wednesday night, Forest made their long-awaited return to European competition, holding Real Betis to a 2-2 draw at the Cartuja in the Europa League. After falling behind early, Igor Jesus' quick-fire double had the Forest faithful in Seville in dreamland, but a late equaliser from Antony ensured the points were shared in southern Spain.
While this is a credible point, it means Postecoglou has failed to win any of his first four matches as Forest manager. They were steamrollered 3-0 by Arsenal, before he oversaw a complete collapse against Swansea in the EFL Cup, followed by last weekend's rather underwhelming 1-1 draw with Burnley. Here though, the City Ground will be rocking, so can they roar their side to a victory?
As for Sunderland, they actually kick off three points better off than their hosts, having only lost once since securing their return to the Premier League. Last Sunday, despite seeing Reinildo Mandava sent off in the first half, the Black Cats battled to a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light, falling behind but pinching a point late on; Granit Xhaka's deft header lashed home by Wilson Isidor.
Régis Le Bris' side have therefore accumulated seven points from their three fixtures on Wearside, albeit they're without a win or a goal on the road, beaten at Burnley before a scoreless draw with Crystal Palace. Thus, in short, this Saturday evening fixture by the River Trent is tough to call.
Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 97.
- Nottingham Forest Wins: 33. Draws: 24. Sunderland Wins: 40.
Nottingham Forest team news
The main talking point on Wednesday was the fact that Igor Jesus started and scored twice, replaced by Arnaud Kalimuendo in the second half, meaning Chris Wood remained an unused substitute. Considering the New Zealander scored 20 league goals last season, that was a bold call.
Elsewhere, Ange Postecoglou could be without three of the usual back four, considering Ola Aina is sidelined long-term, Murillo is out and then Nikola Milenković picked up a knock against Real Betis. Thus, Oleksandr Zinchenko will keep his place at left-back, while Willy Boly could be in line to start a Premier League match for the first time since the opening day of last season against Bournemouth.
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Sunderland: (4-3-3): Sels; Williams, Morato, Boly, Zinchenko; Douglas Luiz, Anderson, Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Igor Jesus.
Nottingham Forest player to watch vs Sunderland
Morgan Gibbs-White is yet to score this season, having bagged seven Premier League goals last season, but he remains key to Forest's attack, so will he star here?
Sunderland team news
It could be all change in Régis Le Bris' defence. Reinildo begins his suspension, while fit again Dan Ballard could return, with either Lutsharel Geertruida or Arthur Masuaku set to come in at full-back.
Club-record signing Habib Diarra is sidelined until December following groin surgery, a major blow, meaning 18 year old Chris Rigg is set to keep his place in midfield.
Sunderland predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest: (4-3-3): Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Masuaku; Xhaka, Rigg, Sadiki; Talbi, Adingra, Isidor.
Sunderland player to watch vs Nottingham Forest
Wilson Isidor has scored in all three Premier League home games so far, directly earning three points, so can he become the first Sunderland player to score away from home this season?
Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland prediction
This should be an entertaining affair, it usually is when Ange Postecoglou is involved, and we are backing Nottingham Forest to, just about, claim a crucial win: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Sunderland.
Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland in the Premier League on TV channel?
Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League & Ultra HD.
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland in the Premier League on live streaming?
Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network & Telemundo
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland in the Premier League?
Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland takes place on Saturday 27 September 2025, with kick off at 17:30 (BST), 12:30 (EDT) & 9:30 (PDT).