Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest: The Ultimate Premier League Match Guide

Bournemouth has maintained a strong upper hand in recent years, winning 11 of their 25 competitive meetings against Nottingham Forest, while Forest has secured only 6 victories alongside 8 draws. In their most recent Premier League clash on October 26, 2025, the “Cherries” cruised to a 2-0 victory at the Vitality Stadium, featuring a rare “Olimpico” goal directly from a corner by Marcus Tavernier and a clinical strike from teenager Eli Junior Kroupi. This result marked Bournemouth’s best-ever start to a top-flight campaign, placing them second in the table at the time, while simultaneously handing Sean Dyche a defeat in his first league game as Forest manager. In this comprehensive guide, you will discover the historical evolution of this fixture, tactical shifts between managers Andoni Iraola and Sean Dyche, and essential visitor information for upcoming matches at the City Ground.

Historical Head-to-Head Statistics

The rivalry between Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest dates back to November 1949, when Bournemouth (then known as Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic) suffered a 2-1 defeat in the Third Division South. Since then, the balance of power has shifted significantly toward the South Coast club, particularly in the modern era of the Championship and Premier League.

Across 25 recorded meetings in all competitions, Bournemouth leads the series with 11 wins to Forest’s 6, with 8 matches ending in stalemates. One of the most significant results in recent memory was Bournemouth’s 5-0 thrashing of Forest in January 2025, which remains one of the largest margins of victory in the history of this specific matchup.

Recent 2025/26 Season Results

The 2025/26 campaign has seen Bournemouth continue their dominance over the “Tricky Trees.” On October 26, 2025, Bournemouth secured a comfortable 2-0 home win, largely thanks to a first-half blitz that saw Marcus Tavernier score directly from a corner in the 25th minute.

Forest entered that match with high hopes following the appointment of Sean Dyche, who replaced Ange Postecoglou just days prior. However, Eli Junior Kroupi’s 40th-minute goal effectively ended the contest, leaving Forest stuck in the relegation zone while Bournemouth soared toward the top of the Premier League table.

Tactical Styles and Formations

Under Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth has adopted a high-octane, aggressive pressing style that prioritizes winning the ball high up the pitch. Their 4-2-3-1 formation often relies on the explosive pace of Antoine Semenyo and the creative ingenuity of Justin Kluivert to break down compact defenses.

Nottingham Forest, now under the stewardship of Sean Dyche, has transitioned toward a more structured and resilient 4-4-1-1 or 4-5-1 system. Dyche’s influence is evident in Forest’s renewed focus on set-piece defense and physical dominance in the midfield, though they have struggled for goals, having been held scoreless in all of their defeats so far this season.

Key Players to Watch

Marcus Tavernier has become a central figure for Bournemouth, famously scoring the Premier League’s first “Olimpico” of the 2025/26 season against Forest. His delivery from dead-ball situations and tireless work rate on the wing make him a constant threat to any opposition fullback.

For Nottingham Forest, Morgan Gibbs-White remains the primary creative outlet. Despite the team’s overall struggles in late 2025, his ability to find pockets of space and link the midfield to lone striker Igor Jesus is vital for Forest’s hopes of escaping the relegation battle.

City Ground Matchday Experience

The City Ground, situated on the banks of the River Trent, is one of English football’s most iconic venues with a capacity of over 30,000. For the upcoming season finale on May 24, 2026, fans can expect an electric atmosphere as Forest fights for survival in the final round of the Premier League.

The stadium is best reached by train via Nottingham Station, followed by a scenic 15-minute walk across the bridge. Visitors are encouraged to explore the historic West Bridgford area pre-match, which offers a variety of fan-friendly pubs and local eateries.

Vitality Stadium Visitor Guide

The Vitality Stadium (Dean Court) offers one of the most intimate atmospheres in the league, with fans seated remarkably close to the action. Located near the coastal suburbs of Boscombe, it is easily accessible via Pokesdown railway station.

Due to the stadium’s smaller capacity (approx. 11,300), tickets for high-profile games against teams like Forest are often in high demand and sell out to members within hours. The club provides excellent disabled access, with parking available at the South of the stadium on a first-come, first-served basis.

Practical Information and Planning

• Next Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth, May 24, 2026, at the City Ground.
• Ticket Prices: Standard adult tickets range from £30 to £55, though secondary market prices can exceed £260 for high-stakes games.
• Transport: Use the “Morebus” service in Bournemouth for discounted matchday travel or East Midlands Railway for trips to Nottingham.
• What to Expect: A highly competitive atmosphere, especially if relegation or European spots are on the line during the final day of the season.
• Pro-Tip: For the May 2026 fixture, book accommodation in Nottingham early, as the city often hits peak capacity for the season’s final weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the last match between Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest? 

Bournemouth won the most recent meeting 2-0 on October 26, 2025. The goals were scored by Marcus Tavernier and Eli Junior Kroupi.

When is the next Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest game? 

The two sides are scheduled to meet on the final day of the Premier League season, May 24, 2026, at the City Ground.

What is the head-to-head record between these two teams? 

As of early 2026, Bournemouth has 11 wins, Nottingham Forest has 6 wins, and there have been 8 draws.

Who is the current manager of Nottingham Forest? 

Sean Dyche is currently the head coach of Nottingham Forest, having taken over from Ange Postecoglou in October 2025.

How much are tickets for the City Ground clash? 

Face value tickets start at approximately £30 for adults, but due to high demand for the season finale, prices on resale platforms like SeatPick start at around £263.

Has Bournemouth ever lost to Forest in the Premier League? 

While Forest has beaten Bournemouth in the Championship and League One, they have struggled in the top flight, with Bournemouth winning the majority of their recent Premier League encounters.

Is there a rivalry between Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest? 

While not a traditional geographic derby, a competitive rivalry developed during their shared time in the Championship and has intensified as they both battle for Premier League stability.

Where is the best place for away fans to sit at the City Ground? 

Away supporters are typically housed in the Bridgford Stand (Lower Tier), which offers a great view and close proximity to the home supporters for a spirited atmosphere.

Can I buy tickets on the day of the match? 

No, Premier League matches at both the Vitality Stadium and City Ground are strictly all-ticket and usually sell out weeks in advance.

What was the biggest win in this fixture’s history? 

Bournemouth’s 5-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on January 25, 2025, stands as the most one-sided result in their modern history.

Final Thoughts

Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest fixture has evolved into a high-stakes Premier League rivalry characterized by dramatic scorelines and tactical intrigue. While Bournemouth currently holds a superior head-to-head record with 11 wins to Forest’s 6, the arrival of Sean Dyche at the City Ground in late 2025 has signaled a shift toward a more resilient, defensive identity for the “Tricky Trees.”

As of January 2026, Bournemouth remains one of the league’s most exciting “overachievers” under Andoni Iraola, fueled by the breakout form of teenage striker Eli Junior Kroupi and the set-piece wizardry of Marcus Tavernier. However, with Forest currently fighting to stay clear of the “Thick Black Line” of the relegation zone, their upcoming clash on May 24, 2026, is shaping up to be a defining moment for both clubs’ seasonal ambitions.

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