Burton Albion vs Nottingham Forest Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Nigel Clough turned down the Nottingham Forest job in January and he may be forced to put all sentiment aside again as Burton look for what would be a huge three points in this game. The Brewers would move above Forest with a win and they look capable of getting it too.

Burton come into this game unbeaten in 5 matches and they put in an excellent display to draw at Hillsborough in midweek. They have drawn all of their last four matches though and will be well aware that this is a golden opportunity to pick up a win that would fire them a little bit closer to survival. Burton did some good business in January, bringing in a bit of real experience at this level and above, which was something they had been lacking.

They average a respectable 1.41 points per game at the Pirelli this term and have taken 7 points from their last 3 home games. Away points will be a bonus but if they are going to stay up, it’s likely to be their home matches that are key. They haven’t scored a lot of goals this season so the contribution of Jackson Irvine has been invaluable. The Australian midfielder has chipped in with 9 league goals and backing Irvine to score anytime at 10/3 could be well worth a punt here.

Forest have conceded exactly 2 goals per game on average away from home this term and 1.69 overall. Only Rotherham have conceded more Championship goals than them so it’s no great surprise that they are not clear of the relegation battle. Away from home, they’ve been very poor all season, losing 67% of their away Championship games this term, taking only 0.56 points per game on average.

They ought to have enough goals in their team to stay afloat and their home form has been strong but in an away game at the tight Pirelli Stadium, you’d have to question whether they are going to be really up for the battle. Burton have performed well against their bigger East Midlands rivals this season and would love to get one over on Forest. On current form, a home win looks the more likely outcome but given Burton have been drawing a lot, backing Burton Draw No Bet at 4/6 looks the safest option.