Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest as Eze, Guehi talk dominates build-up to "new rivalry"

Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest as Eze, Guehi talk dominates build-up to "new rivalry" originally appeared on The Sporting News

Selhurst Park prepares for its first Premier League match of the season as Crystal Palace welcome Nottingham Forest on Sunday, August 24.

The game comes with added tension off the pitch as Palace fans remain angered by their club's exclusion from the UEFA Europa League, which saw Forest take their place in the competition.

Forest were reported to have played a role in the case, which has led to a planned protest, though the fixture itself remains the main focus for the two managers.

For Oliver Glasner, this match is another early test of squad depth and adaptability after a stalemate at Stamford Bridge. His plans continue to be shaped by transfer speculation around Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi: Eze missed the Conference League playoff first leg against Fredrikstad on Thursday and is not expected to play for the club again, while Guehi remains a reported target for top sides.

Injuries also weigh heavily with several key players doubtful and unavailable. Palace's ability to create pressure from set pieces and maintain composure in midfield may be crucial, given the limited rotation options.

Forest, meanwhile, arrive with a clearer picture of their attacking structure after a 3-1 win against Brentford. Nuno Espirito Santo has built around Morgan Gibbs-White's creativity, with new arrival Dan Ndoye adding width and pace.

However, their preparations have been overshadowed by speculation that Nuno's job could be under threat due to disagreements with the club's hierarchy.

MORE: Arsenal closing in on deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze

Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest

The big uncertainties for Palace concern Guehi and Eze, who are both the subject of serious transfer interest. Eze called in sick before Thursday's game and will almost certainly not play on Sunday, while Guehi should be involved unless there are developments over a possible exit.

Palace will also be without Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure, who are both long-term absentees following knee injuries and are not expected back until late autumn.

Eddie Nketiah is still sidelined with a thigh problem that will keep him out until mid-October, while Matheus Franca is recovering from an adductor issue and will not feature this weekend. Caleb Kporha also remains unavailable with a back injury and has no return date set.

Will Hughes is expected to keep his place in midfielder due to Daichi Kamada's injury.

Crystal Palace predicted starting XI (3-4-2-1, right to left): Henderson (GK) — Richards, Lacroix, Guehi — Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell — Sarr, Devenny — Mateta

Injured: Riad (knee), Doucoure (knee), Nketiah (thigh), Franca (adductor), Kporha (back), Kamada (knee)
Suspended: None

Forest look a settled unit with almost a full squad at their disposal. The only major absentee is Nicolas Dominguez after the Argentinian underwent surgery after a serious meniscus injury in his left knee.

Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic are expected to continue as the centre-back pairing, while Callum Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White and Ndoye provide the attacking spark behind Chris Wood, who leads the line.

Nottingham Forest predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sels (GK) — Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams — Sangare, Anderson — Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi — Wood

Injured: Dominguez (knee)
Suspended: None 

Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest match details

• Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025
• Kickoff time: 2 p.m. local time / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT
• Location: Selhurst Park, London (England)
• Competition: Premier League
• Referee: Anthony Taylor
• VAR: Paul Tierney

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