It may not be a derby in the traditional sense of the word, but make no mistake, Sunday’s fixture between Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace is a grudge match.
Head to Head History
The two clubs have very little in terms of on field beef. They’ve met approximately 62 times since the mind-1960s, with Forest holding the edge with 25 wins to Palace’s 15. Since both have been in the Premier League, they’ve met ten times. Again, Forest had the better of the Eagles, winning three times. While Palace have never beaten them, they have earned seven draws, including August’s reverse fixture which ended one apiece.
European Bad Blood
Well, to be specific, UEFAean. Recent animosity between the two was sparked this summer in the wake of Crystal Palace’s Cinderella-story FA Cup win. Even as they were hoisting the trophy, Forest executives were apparently drafting a letter to UEFA pointing out the South London club’s violation of multi-club ownership rules. You can read more about it here, but the tl;dr is that Palace was demoted from the Europa League down to the Conference League. Crystal Palace appealed UEFA’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but lost.
The team that replaced them in the Europa League: Nottingham Forest.
Textor-Marinakis Ties
Former Palace shareholder John Textor (who was the origin of the multi-club violation via his Eagle Football Holdings company) and Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, are said to be friends outside of the luxury boxes and have “a working relationship.”
Textor has been quoted referring to the rotund Greek shipping magnate as a “partner.” There was even a mention that the two clubs had “adjusted” transfer fees, though this was later clarified/waved off as a “translation issue.” Nottingham Forest did acquire two players in the 2025 summer transfer window from Botofogo, one of Eagle Football Holdings’ clubs.
Understandably, Crystal Palace supporters look askew at any cozy relationship between these two. On the one side, you have an owner who pushed for their ouster from Europa League (Marinakis). On the other, the ex-owner (Textor) whose choice to not place his controlling shares in a blind trust led to their demotion.
Nottingham’s Bid for Mateta
Just this month, Nottingham Forest made an offer to acquire Palace striker and leading goal-scorer Jean-Phillipe Mateta. The Eagles firmly rejected the $46M offer; reportedly insisting on $53M or more for the Frenchman. Forest aren’t the only suitors, as AC Milan has also apparently reached personal deal terms with Mateta’s team and are currently negotiating with Palace executives.
Needless to say, after all the other shenanigans, trying to swoop in and steal the club’s top scorer is gauche. Crystal Palace did not roster Mateta for this game, and he will not travel with the club up north.
What About the Match?
This match is a true six-pointer. The bottom third of the table is tight between 12th and 17th.
A win for the Eagles would put them above 30 points, which is a huge milestone. But a Forest victory would let them leapfrog Leeds (who will likely lose to Arsenal) and draw level with Palace on points, though below them due to goal difference.
In all honesty, all signs heavily favor Nottingham Forest. They’re at home, always a plus. And Crystal Palace have been reeling since December 14th, with zero wins and three draws in their last 13 games.
In that same stretch Forest have four wins, a draw and six losses. Forest also played their final Europa group stage game on Thursday, a 4 – 0 thrashing of Ferençvaros, so Palace are at least more rested. But I don’t think this gives too much advantage to the visitors
Just remember: the real prize here is bragging rights. Just like any other derby.
The Qooligan is a respected Sports Journalist specializing in Soccer, Premier League and Champions League who holds a Masters – History from Columbia University. With extensive experience in Sports Journalism, particularly in Soccer, Premier League and Champions League, The Qooligan provides expert analysis and valuable insights based on years of professional practice. You can read more of The Qooligan’s professional background on Hooligan Soccer and Hooligan Soccer. Connect with The Qooligan on X and Bluesky. The Qooligan is an alias of Hooligan Soccer founder Q Williams. Q is a 20+ year veteran of numerous technology and media companies, including MTV, Gracenote, Watchwith and Crunchyroll. He has a master’s degree in European History from Columbia University. As an established authority in Sports Journalism with specialized knowledge in Soccer, Premier League and Champions League, The Qooligan is committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy content that reflects both expertise and experience.
