Match Prediction
Match Prediction
Preview
Welcome to our Nottingham Forest U21 vs Benfica B prediction, where we break down the numbers, recent form, and expert betting tips for this Premier League International Cup Group C fixture. With both sides eager to make a statement at Loughborough University Stadium on December 3, 2025, at 19:00 GMT, we dive into the details that matter for punters and fans alike.
This Group C encounter brings together two youth teams with contrasting recent fortunes. Nottingham Forest U21, currently sitting 8th in the group, have been quietly impressive in their last five outings. Their record? A perfect five wins, no draws, and no losses. They’ve netted seven times and conceded just once, averaging 1.40 goals scored and a stingy 0.20 conceded per match. That defensive solidity could be their ace in the pack.
Benfica B, meanwhile, occupy 4th place and have had a more turbulent run. Their last five games saw two wins, a draw, and two defeats. Offensively, they’ve been more prolific, scoring nine and letting in eight (1.80 goals scored and 1.60 conceded per game). While their attack is lively, their defense has shown cracks—something Forest’s forwards will look to exploit.
In terms of head to head, there’s no previous competitive meeting between these sides at this level, making this a fresh chapter in both clubs’ youth histories.
Team news is, as ever at this level, a touch murky. Forest U21 have no reported injuries or suspensions, though the senior squad has been hit by a few knocks—Ola Aina, Chris Wood, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Douglas Luiz have all been sidelined, but it’s unclear if this trickles down to the U21s. Benfica B’s parent club has also suffered injuries, with Dodi Lukébakio, Vangelis Pavlidis, and G. Sudakov all recently out, but again, the direct impact on the B team is uncertain.
Neither side’s tactical setup is widely publicized, but the stats hint at how this match might unfold. Forest U21 are expected to see about 47% of the ball, with Benfica B enjoying a slight edge at 53%. That suggests a fairly balanced contest, with both teams likely to get their chances.
Expect a lively tempo and plenty of set-piece opportunities, especially for Benfica B, who are predicted to win twice as many corners. The discipline stats hint at a competitive but not overly aggressive affair.
Let’s get down to the numbers that matter for bettors. The bookmakers have priced this one with Benfica B as clear favorites (away win at 1.9), while a Forest U21 home win sits at 3.45 and the draw at 3.7. But as recent results have shown, both teams are capable of springing a surprise.
Our AI’s predicted final score? 2:1 to Nottingham Forest U21, with a 1:0 lead at half-time. That would be a statement win for the hosts and a result that would shake up Group C.
For those looking at the stats, the predicted shot and possession numbers back up the idea of a close, open game. Both sides are expected to test the keepers, and with 12 corners forecast, set-pieces could prove decisive.
To sum up our Nottingham Forest U21 vs Benfica B prediction: while the away side enters as favorites on paper, Forest’s recent form and defensive record make them a tempting underdog pick, especially at odds north of 3.3. The over 2.5 goals market looks solid given both teams’ scoring trends, and both teams to score is another angle worth considering—though perhaps with a smaller stake due to Forest’s defensive prowess.
In a fixture where both teams have something to prove and little head to head history to go on, expect an entertaining contest with plenty of betting angles. Whether you’re backing the home side for an upset or sticking with the favorites, this Group C tie should deliver on excitement and value.
Stay tuned for more betting tips and data-driven insights right here at NerdyTips, your go-to source for expert football predictions.
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GG -167
Both teams are expected to score with odds of -1671 230
Nottingha is expected to win with odds of 245Over 2.5 -149
At least 3 goals will be scored in the matchYes -167
Both teams are expected to score1X&O1.5 113
Home win/draw and over 1.5 goals
2:1
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Recent Matches of Nottingha| 30 Jan |
Derby U21.
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-
| Nottingha.
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| 26 Jan | L |
Nottingha.
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0:1
| Reading U2.
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| 23 Jan | D |
Swansea C.
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1:1
| Nottingha.
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| 19 Jan | W |
Nottingha.
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2:0
| Paris S.
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| 12 Jan | W |
Blackburn .
|
0:3
| Nottingha.
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| 22 Dec | W |
Wolves U21.
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0:1
| Nottingha.
|
| 16 Dec | W |
Millwall U.
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1:4
| Nottingha.
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| 12 Dec | W |
Nottingha.
|
2:1
| Millwall U.
|
| 03 Dec | D |
Nottingha.
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1:1
| Benfica B.
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| 28 Nov | W |
Nottingha.
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1:0
| Swansea C.
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Recent Matches of Benfica B
| 29 Jan |  Benfica B. |
- |
Lusitania . | |
| 24 Jan | D |  Leixoes. |
0:0 |
Benfica B. |
| 17 Jan | W | Benfica B. |
1:0 |
Chaves. |
| 13 Jan | W |  Newcastle. |
0:5 |
Benfica B. |
| 07 Jan | W |  Chelsea U2. |
2:6 |
Benfica B. |
| 05 Jan | D | Benfica B. |
1:1 |
FC Porto B. |
| 28 Dec | W |  Academico. |
1:2 |
Benfica B. |
| 22 Dec | W | Benfica B. |
1:0 |
Sporting C. |
| 16 Dec | D |  Maritimo. |
1:1 |
Benfica B. |
| 06 Dec | W | Benfica B. |
2:0 |
Oliveirens. |
