The second-leg match in the 2025/26 Europa League round of 16 between Midtjylland (Denmark) and Nottingham Forest (England) will take place on 19 March at Herning. The score in the first leg was 1:0 in favour of Midtjylland. Midtjylland vs Nottingham Forest: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Midtjylland
Midtjylland managed to beat Nottingham Forest for the second time this season, and they did so in England again. In the league phase, the Scandinavians won 3:2 in Matchday 2, while this time one accurate strike proved decisive - 1:0. To reach the quarter-finals, the team simply need to avoid defeat in the return leg. Notably, Midtjylland have never progressed this far in European competition in their history. It is also worth pointing out that the club have now gone four straight Europa League matches without losing (three wins and one draw).
- In their last 15 matches in this tournament, the Danes have suffered only one defeat (11 wins and three draws).
- Midtjylland have scored two or more goals in 10 of their previous 13 Europa League games.
- On home soil, the Scandinavians are on a six-match winning run in this competition.
Potential Midtjylland Lineup (3-5-2)*
Elias Olafsson - Mads Sorensen, Martin Erlic, Ousmane Diao - Kevin Mbabu, Victor Bak, Philip Billing, Pedro Bravo, Denil Castillo - Aral Simsir, Junior Brumado.
Midfielder Kevin Mbabu is out injured.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest are clearly having problems against this opponent. The club lost to the Scandinavians again, despite having a territorial advantage, looking far more active in attack and registering 22 shots to the opposition's six. Now they must win by at least a two-goal margin to extend their European campaign. If they manage to win by one goal, extra time will follow. Incidentally, this was their second successive defeat in the Europa League - and in both cases, it came at their own ground.
- The English side are on a seven-match decisive run in this tournament (four wins and three defeats).
- At least three goals have been scored in five of Nottingham Forest's previous seven matches in this competition.
- Away from home in the Europa League, the club have avoided defeat in four of their last five matches (two wins and two draws).
Potential Nottingham Forest Lineup (3-4-2-1)*
Matz Sels - Cunha, Morato, Murillo - Ola Aina, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Elliot Anderson, Nicolas Dominguez - Morgan Gibbs-White, Omari Hutchinson - Igor Jesus.
The injury list includes striker Chris Wood, defenders Cunha, Nicola Savona and Willy Boly, as well as goalkeepers Stefan Ortega and John Victor.
Referee
Felix Zwayer (Germany)
Matches - 7 (international fixtures, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) - 24;
Yellow cards per match - 3.4;
Red cards shown - 4;
Fouls per match - 20;
Penalties - 57%.
Midtjylland vs Nottingham Forest: Match Prediction
Even after two victories, the bookmakers continue to underestimate Midtjylland. The prices on the Scandinavians are quite generous for this match, despite the fact they are at home. Midtjylland have now gone seven Europa League home games without defeat, winning six of those. What is more, in their last six home matches in the Europa League, the Danes have conceded just one goal.
We believe it is worth taking advantage of the high odds on the hosts to win. And even with a safety net, it is possible to back the Scandinavians to avoid defeat in the return leg. Midtjylland have not lost any of their last 25 official home matches (19 wins and six draws). The English side are currently in poor form, while the 3:0 victory in the play-off ties against Fenerbahce was a rare burst of activity. In fact, that win remains Nottingham Forest's only victory across their last 10 matches in the Premier League and the Europa League.
Prediction: Midtjylland, double chance
* For each team, the starting line-up listed is from their previous match in this tournament.
