The final Premier League fixture before Christmas takes place under the lights at Craven Cottage on Monday night as Fulham host Nottingham Forest.
This bottom-half battle carries significant weight for both sides heading into the festive period. Marco Silva’s Fulham, currently sitting 15th, are looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking stoppage-time defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
They face a rejuvenated Nottingham Forest side under Sean Dyche. The visitors arrive in the capital fresh from a stunning 3-0 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur. Just two points separate the teams in the table. Consequently, Forest know a win would see them leapfrog their hosts.
Fulham vs Nottingham Forest – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Monday, 22 December 2025
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Craven Cottage, London
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- VAR: Paul Howard
- Last Meeting: Nottingham Forest 1-3 Fulham, 26 July 2025, Club Friendly
Team News
Fulham
Marco Silva has been hit hard by Africa Cup of Nations call-ups. He has lost three key players: Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze. Their absence will force a reshuffle, with Jorge Cuenca expected to step into defence and Kevin potentially starting on the wing. Saša Lukić is a doubt after coming off with a groin injury against Newcastle, though Silva remains optimistic. Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz are confirmed absentees.
Nottingham Forest
Sean Dyche also faces AFCON disruption. He has lost midfield anchor Ibrahim Sangaré, who starred with a goal and two assists against Spurs, and defender Willy Boly. However, there is positive news with Nicolas Domínguez and goalkeeper Matz Sels expected to return to the starting XI. The injury list remains significant with Chris Wood, Ola Aina, and Ryan Yates all out.
Form
Fulham
The Cottagers have been inconsistent, winning just two of their last six league games. However, Craven Cottage has historically been a fortress against Forest. Fulham have won all three of their Premier League home games against Forest, conceding just once in the process. They have become the league’s entertainers recently, with both teams scoring in each of their last four league games.
Nottingham Forest
Forest are flying under Sean Dyche, having won four of their last six Premier League games. This is more than they managed in their previous 18. Their attack has clicked, scoring 3+ goals in three of their eight league games under Dyche. However, their record at Craven Cottage is abysmal; they have lost all three Premier League visits there by an aggregate score of 9-1.
Predicted Lineups
Fulham predicted XI: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Berge, Lukić; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Jiménez
Nottingham Forest predicted XI: Sels; Savona, Murillo, Milenković, Williams; Luiz, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus
How to watch Fulham vs Nottingham Forest?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 19:00 GMT.
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