Nottingham Forest Poised to Overtake Crystal Palace in Europa League Qualification

Crystal Palace‘s hopes of european football have been dashed by UEFA‘s multi-club ownership rules. The club missed a crucial deadline to adjust it’s ownership structure, leading to their exclusion from the Europa League.

At the heart of the issue is John Textor, who holds stakes in both Crystal Palace and French club Lyon. UEFA’s regulations prevent clubs with significant overlap in ownership from competing in the same European competitions.

Palace has argued that Textor does not exert decisive control at Selhurst Park. Despite his company owning a 43% stake, the club insists he has no significant influence. Textor himself has corroborated this, stating he does not and did not have decisive influence.

However, UEFA has not accepted this argument. This means that while Lyon, having finished higher in their domestic league, will take the Europa League spot, Palace is left out in the cold.

The missed March 1st deadline for Palace to bring their ownership into compliance proved to be their undoing. This is a stark contrast to Nottingham Forest, who also faced similar issues but were deemed to be in the process of compliance.

What impact could Nottingham Forest’s game in hand have on overtaking Crystal Palace for Europa League qualification?

current Standings & The Race for Europe

The battle for Europa League qualification is heating up, and recent form suggests Nottingham Forest is on the cusp of surpassing Crystal Palace in the Premier League table. as of July 11, 2025, the landscape looks like this:

Nottingham Forest: currently 7th, with 58 points from 38 games. A strong finish to the season saw them win 4 of their last 6 matches.

Crystal Palace: Holding 6th position, also with 58 points, but having played 39 games. Their recent form has been patchy, with only 2 wins in their last 6.

Key Factor: Goal difference is currently favoring Crystal Palace, but Forest has a game in hand. This single match could prove decisive.

this tight race is captivating fans and analysts alike,with many predicting a Forest surge in the final weeks of the season. The stakes are high – a place in the Europa League offers critically important financial rewards and the prestige of competing on the European stage.

Analyzing Nottingham Forest’s Momentum

Forest’s recent success isn’t accidental. Several factors contribute to their upward trajectory:

Improved Defensive Solidity: A shift to a more disciplined 4-4-2 formation has substantially reduced their goals conceded. Key signings in the January transfer window, especially center-back Omar Richards, have bolstered the backline.

taiwo Awoniyi’s Goalscoring Form: The Nigerian striker has been in prolific form, netting 12 goals in his last 15 appearances. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement are proving crucial.

Midfield Masterclass from Danilo: Danilo’s energy, tackling, and passing range have been instrumental in controlling the midfield battle. He’s become a fan favorite and a key component of Forest’s tactical setup.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s Tactical Acumen: The manager’s tactical flexibility and ability to motivate his players have been widely praised. He’s instilled a winning mentality within the squad.

Crystal Palace’s Recent Struggles

While Palace started the season strongly, their form has dipped dramatically in recent weeks. Several issues are contributing to their decline:

Injury Crisis: Key players like Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze have been sidelined with injuries, disrupting the team’s attacking flow.

lack of Goalscoring Threat: Without their star attackers, Palace have struggled to find the net consistently. Their reliance on individual brilliance has been exposed.

Defensive Vulnerabilities: Opponents have exploited weaknesses in Palace’s defense, particularly on the flanks.

Tactical Rigidity: Manager Roy Hodgson has been criticized for his conservative tactics, which have failed to unlock stubborn defenses.

The Remaining Fixtures – A Head-to-Head

The remaining fixtures for both teams will be critical. here’s a breakdown:

Nottingham forest:

1. Away vs. Bournemouth (July 15th)
2. Home vs. West Ham United (July 18th)
3. Away vs.Tottenham Hotspur (July 22nd)

Crystal Palace:

1. Home vs. Manchester City (July 14th)
2. Away vs. Arsenal (July 17th)
3. Home vs. Liverpool (July 21st)

Forest arguably has a more favorable run-in, facing teams lower in the table.Palace, on the other hand, faces a daunting schedule against top-six opposition.

Europa League Qualification: what’s at Stake?

Securing a Europa League spot offers numerous benefits for both clubs:

Financial Rewards: Participation in the europa League generates significant revenue through prize money, broadcasting rights, and matchday income.

Increased Exposure: European competition elevates a club’s profile and attracts new sponsors and fans.

Player Development: Playing against top european teams provides valuable experience for players and accelerates their development.

Prestige & Reputation: Qualifying for Europe enhances a club’s reputation and attracts higher-quality players.

Potential Scenarios & Predictions

Given the current form and remaining fixtures,here are a few potential scenarios:

**Scenario 1: Forest Win