The EFL Cup, also known as the Carabao Cup, continues to deliver intriguing matchups that blend competitive intensity with opportunities for rotation and surprises. On September 17, 2025, Swansea City will host Nottingham Forest at the Swansea.com Stadium in the third round of this prestigious competition. This fixture pits a resilient Championship side against a Premier League outfit navigating a transitional phase under new management. For fans searching for a “Swansea vs. Nottingham Forest prediction,” this encounter promises drama, given the contrasting fortunes of the two teams and the historical rivalry between them.
Swansea City, under the guidance of Alan Sheehan, have shown signs of solidity in the early stages of the 2025-26 Championship season, remaining unbeaten in their last six competitive outings. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are adjusting to the arrival of Ange Postecoglou as head coach, following a challenging start to their Premier League campaign marked by heavy defeats. As bookmakers heavily favor the visitors, questions arise about whether Forest’s superior resources will prevail or if Swansea’s home advantage and cup pedigree can force an upset. In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the “Swansea vs. Nottingham Forest odds,” team news, form guides, head-to-head records, and expert “betting tips” to provide a thorough preview.
This article is designed to equip bettors and enthusiasts with actionable insights, drawing on the latest data as of September 16, 2025. Whether you’re eyeing the match winner market, over/under goals, or player-specific props, we’ll cover it all to optimize your betting strategy.
The EFL Cup third round represents a pivotal stage where Premier League teams enter the fray, often leading to mismatches on paper but potential banana skins in practice. Swansea City, competing in the Championship, have a storied history in this competition, reaching the semi-finals as recently as 2012-13 during their Premier League heyday. Their progression to this round came via a penalty shootout victory over Plymouth Argyle in the second round, underscoring their resilience in knockout formats.
Nottingham Forest, a Premier League side, enter fresh after bypassing the early rounds due to their top-flight status. The competition holds special significance for Forest, who won the European Cup twice in the late 1970s and early 1980s under Brian Clough. However, domestic cup success has been elusive in recent years; their last major trophy was the 2022 EFL play-off promotion. Under Postecoglou, who took over in early September 2025 following a turbulent summer, this match serves as his second in charge—a chance to instill confidence after a 3-0 Premier League loss to Arsenal on September 13.
The stakes are clear: a win propels the victor into the last-16 draw, where lucrative ties against top clubs await. For Swansea, advancing would boost morale in a Championship promotion push; for Forest, it’s an opportunity to build momentum amid league struggles. The 7:00 PM BST kickoff at Swansea.com Stadium, with a capacity of around 21,000, is expected to create an electric atmosphere, potentially tilting the scales in the hosts’ favor.
Weather forecasts for Swansea on match day indicate mild conditions—around 15°C with light rain—unlikely to significantly impact play. Referee assignments and VAR usage (standard for third-round ties involving Premier League teams) will ensure fairness, but cup ties often hinge on individual moments of brilliance or defensive lapses.
Team News and Injuries
Team selection will be crucial, with both managers likely to rotate amid packed schedules. Swansea face Championship action against Southampton on September 20, while Forest host Burnley in the league the following day. This fixture offers a platform for fringe players to shine, but injuries could force hands.
Swansea City Team News
Swansea’s squad depth has been bolstered by summer signings, including striker Adam Idah from Celtic, winger Manuel Benson from Burnley, and defender Ishe Samuels-Smith from Chelsea. However, the injury list provides some concern. Central defender Ricardo Santos remains sidelined with a knee injury sustained in pre-season, with an expected return in late September 2025. This absence disrupts the backline, where Harry Darling and Ben Cabango have been reliable but occasionally vulnerable to set-pieces.
Midfielders Jay Fulton and Marko Grujic (on loan from Porto) are also set to miss the cup tie due to minor knocks picked up during the international break, as confirmed in recent updates. No suspensions are reported, allowing Sheehan flexibility. Goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux, who has started the season strongly, is expected to retain his place, while Zan Vipotnik—Swansea’s top scorer with four goals—will lead the attack after a frustrating substitution in their 2-2 draw with Hull City on September 13.
Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Fisher; Burgess, Cabango, Wood, Tymon; Allen, Grimes; Paterson, Cooper, Kukon; Vipotnik. Substitutes may include new arrival Idah for a debut impact.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Postecoglou’s arrival has injected fresh energy, but injuries hamper his options. Right-back Ola Aina suffered a hamstring strain while on international duty with Nigeria in early September, ruling him out until at least December 2025—a blow to Forest’s defensive width. Midfielder Nicolas Dominguez is recovering from a meniscus injury, with a return targeted for early October. No further major concerns are noted, though Postecoglou may rest key Premier League starters like Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood to manage fatigue.
The Australian coach, known for his high-pressing style from stints at Celtic and Tottenham, could debut loanees or academy prospects. Goalkeeper Matz Sels is likely to start ahead of Carlos Miguel, while Willy Boly anchors the defense. Striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who has shown promise in limited minutes, may partner Emmanuel Dennis up top.
Predicted lineup (4-3-3): Sels; Williams, Boly, Murillo, Zinchenko; Yates, Andersen, Dominguez (if fit, else Gibbs-White); Elanga, Awoniyi, Hudson-Odoi. This setup emphasizes Forest’s attacking flair, with over 49% average possession in recent games.
Both teams enter with relatively clean bills of health beyond these issues, setting the stage for a competitive clash where rotation could level the playing field.
Form is a critical indicator in cup predictions, and the disparity here is stark. Swansea City have been the epitome of consistency, entering this match unbeaten in six competitive fixtures across all competitions. Their Championship campaign began with a 1-0 home win over Sheffield United on August 9, followed by a 1-1 draw at Watford. In the EFL Cup, they advanced past Plymouth on penalties after a 1-1 draw, showcasing composure under pressure.
The most recent outing—a 2-2 home draw against Hull City on September 13—highlighted Swansea’s attacking intent but defensive frailties. Goals from Zan Vipotnik and Josh Tymon earned a point, but late concessions prevented victory. Statistically, Swansea average 1.3 goals per game from 9.6 shots, with 54.5% possession and 4.5 corners won. They concede just 0.9 goals on average, thanks to a compact midfield led by Matt Grimes. This form positions them mid-table in the Championship, with ambitions of a top-six finish.
Nottingham Forest, conversely, are grappling with early-season woes. Postecoglou’s debut ended in a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on September 13, exposing defensive vulnerabilities against top-tier opposition. This followed a 0-3 home loss to West Ham on August 31 and a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. Their solitary win—a 3-1 victory over Brentford on August 17—feels distant amid a run of just one victory in nine games since May 2025.
Forest’s Premier League standing is precarious, hovering near the relegation zone with three points from four matches. They average 1.1 goals scored but concede 1.6, with 49.9% possession and 4.7 corners per game. The high line Postecoglou favors has led to concessions from quick counters, as seen in the Arsenal thrashing. However, their attack remains potent, with Chris Wood netting four goals already.
In summary, Swansea’s unbeaten streak suggests they can compete, but Forest’s Premier League quality—despite form dips—gives them an edge in a one-off tie.
The rivalry between Swansea City and Nottingham Forest dates back to 1926, with over 50 matchs across various competitions. In 24 games since 2005, Swansea have won seven, Forest eight, and nine have ended in draws, averaging 2.46 goals per match. This balance underscores the competitiveness, particularly in the Championship era when both clubs vied for promotion.
Recent head-to-heads favor Forest, who secured convincing victories in their last two encounters: a 5-1 home win on April 30, 2022, and a 4-1 triumph at Swansea earlier that season. These results highlight Forest’s attacking prowess against Swansea’s defense. The last five matchs average 3.8 goals, with 19 total strikes—three wins for Swansea, two for Forest, and both teams scoring in three of the last four.
Notably, cup ties between them have been scarce, but the 2019-20 FA Cup clash ended 2-1 to Swansea. At Swansea.com Stadium, home advantage has yielded four wins for the Swans in 12 matchs, with Forest winning five and three draws. This history suggests a goal-filled affair, aligning with betting markets favoring over 2.5 goals.
In a match of this caliber, individual brilliance often tips the scales. For Swansea, Zan Vipotnik emerges as the focal point. The Slovenian forward has four goals in five appearances, blending pace and finishing. His movement off the ball could exploit Forest’s high line. Wing-back Josh Tymon, with three assists, provides crossing quality, while midfielder Ronald (four goals) adds creativity from deep.
Nottingham Forest’s talisman is Chris Wood, the New Zealand striker with four goals this season. His aerial presence and hold-up play make him a threat from set-pieces. Morgan Gibbs-White, if rested, dictates tempo with his vision, while winger Anthony Elanga’s speed (three assists) could stretch Swansea’s full-backs. Taiwo Awoniyi, as a rotational option, brings raw power, potentially scoring on counters.
These players’ performances will be pivotal, influencing not just the scoreline but also prop betting opportunities.
Alan Sheehan’s Swansea typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation emphasizing possession and quick transitions. With 54.5% average ball control, they press selectively to regain possession high up the pitch. Against a Premier League side, expect a compact shape to frustrate Forest’s attacks, relying on counter-attacks through Vipotnik and Paterson.
Postecoglou’s Forest favors an aggressive 4-3-3, inspired by his Celtic tenure, with high pressing and fluid movement. However, recent concessions suggest vulnerabilities at the back. Rotation may temper this intensity, but players like Yates in midfield will aim to dominate transitions. The key battle will be in the wide areas, where Forest’s pace could overwhelm Swansea’s defense.
If Swansea absorb pressure early, they might force extra time; otherwise, Forest’s quality could shine through.
Balancing form, history, and quality, our “Swansea vs. Nottingham Forest prediction” leans toward a 2-1 victory for the visitors. Forest’s Premier League pedigree, despite struggles, should prevail in a match likely to feature goals—over 2.5 total at evens odds. Swansea’s home resilience may yield a consolation, but Postecoglou’s side advances. Probability: Forest win 55%, draw 25%, Swansea win 20%.
Alternative scenario: A 2-2 draw leading to penalties, given Swansea’s cup nous.
Betting Odds
As of September 16, 2025, bookmakers reflect Forest’s favoritism. Aggregated odds from Ladbrokes, Bet365, and FanDuel:
Odds vary slightly; shop around for value. Forest’s win probability hovers at 60.6% per models.
Navigating the “Swansea vs. Nottingham Forest betting tips” requires focusing on data-driven selections. Here are our top recommendations, with reasoning and stake suggestions (1-5 units, low to high confidence).
Player props like Taiwo Awoniyi to score (+200) offer upside if he starts. Avoid heavy stakes on extras like penalties (unlikely but 10% chance). Responsible betting: Set limits, use odds comparison sites.
For live betting, monitor first-half momentum—if Swansea lead, draw odds shorten to 2.50+.
To contextualize this tie, consider the EFL Cup’s legacy. Established in 1960, it has crowned underdogs like Leicester (1964) and provided pathways for managers like Postecoglou to experiment. Swansea’s best run was the 2013 final loss to Bradford; Forest reached the 1992 quarters.
A Forest win reinforces their top-flight status; an upset boosts Swansea’s promotion credentials. Post-match, both eye league focus—Swansea vs. Southampton, Forest vs. Burnley.
The Swansea vs. Nottingham Forest clash encapsulates the EFL Cup’s charm: unpredictability amid mismatched leagues. Our prediction favors a 2-1 Forest victory, but Swansea’s form ensures competitiveness. With odds tilting toward the visitors and betting tips centered on goals and a narrow win, this is prime for informed wagers.
Stay tuned for live updates on September 17. For more “Swansea vs. Nottingham Forest prediction” insights or odds comparisons, revisit this guide. Bet responsibly and enjoy the action.
Recent News 
November 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
November 10, 2025
November 9, 2025
November 9, 2025
November 9, 2025
November 9, 2025
November 9, 2025
Online Casinos
Stars Casino: Get $100 bonus cash + 200 bonus spins
Stars Casino: Get $100 bonus cash + 200 bonus spins