Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town

City Ground forms the backdrop for an exciting FA Cup last-16 tie between Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town.

Seeking their first appearance in the FA Cup final since 1991 and potentially their first title in this competition since 1959, Nottingham Forest enter this tie determined to halt an underwhelming three-game winless run (D1, L2), bookended by a scoreless draw against Arsenal. Despite their rough patch, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men remain clear-cut favorites to advance into the quarter-finals, having beaten Ipswich in three of their last four H2Hs (D1). However, Forest’s FA Cup campaign hasn’t been plain sailing – they needed penalties to overcome third-tier Exeter City in the previous round after putting Luton Town to the sword on matchday one (2-0). But the Tricky Trees have been almost unplayable at home, winning six of their last eight fixtures at the City Ground (D2).

On the other hand, Ipswich Town humbled Bristol Rovers 3-0 in the first FA Cup round before demolishing Coventry City 4-1 to set up this tie, where they’ll aim to beat Forest for the first time since December 2017. However, Ipswich’s form since beating second-tier Coventry doesn’t bode well, with Kieran McKenna’s side losing twice in three subsequent meetings with top-flight opposition (D1), including a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat at Manchester United last time out. That result left the Tractor Boys with just a single win from five competitive away matches in 2025 (D2, L2). With four of those five featuring over 2.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet, this could be a high-scoring event. 

Allianz Stadium is the venue as record-time Serie A champions Juventus and minnows Hellas Verona go head-to-head in contrasting spirits.