Preston North End vs Nottingham Forest Prediction

After a come-from-behind away win against Sheffield Wednesday in midweek, Preston are in good spirits ahead of their clash with promotion rivals Nottingham Forest.

Forest currently sit fifth: three places and seven points clear of Alex Neil’s side, although the play-off race continues intensifying. Read my match preview, for the best betting tips and correct score predictions ahead of this upcoming fixture.

Preston North End vs Nottingham Forest Betting Tips

Harry Arter’s excellent strike from distance fired Fulham ahead at Forest in midweek and served as a timely reminder that should they meet in next month’s play-offs, Scott Parker’s side have the psychological advantage.

The sides are currently fourth and fifth in England’s second-tier, which could still fluctuate between now and MD46 in less than two weeks’ time.

After successive wins against Huddersfield and Bristol City, Forest have suffered a stumble at the wrong time. Their last-gasp draw against Derby on July 4 was followed by a slender defeat by Fulham three day later.

Now? They face a hungry play-off hopeful in the form of Preston, who have recorded Forest’s form in reverse. PNE are eyeing their second successive victory and will be boosted by Daniel Johnson’s return to action.

The midfielder, leading them both in goals (12) and assists (six) this term, created another goal during a memorable midweek cameo. He missed their last two games so perhaps it’s no coincidence they returned to winning ways with a key man in tow.

Preston North End vs Nottingham Forest Correct Score Predictions

This saying is going to become tiresome soon enough, but I cannot stress how important a win is for Preston here. That said, I’m not entirely convinced they will achieve that. They have it all to do in the play-off race, with sides behind them more than happy to overtake them should they falter between now and July 22.

Forest can reassert their fifth-place standing with a victory, though they too have been inconsistent of late. They’ve drawn their last two H2H meetings but I’m backing a narrow Preston win here.