Ipswich Town vs Nottingham Forest takes place on Friday, 23 October 2026, at Portman Road, with kick-off at 21:00 SAST (20:00 BST). The Premier League Matchweek 8 fixture brings together Ipswich, who have nine points from seven games, and a Nottingham Forest team seeking to end a three-match league losing streak.

Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White is available again after missing the Arsenal match, while striker Liam Delap returns to face his former club. For current fixtures, live scores, results and standings, follow SportPesa Score.

Ipswich narrowly lost 3–2 away to Manchester City in their last league game, having beaten Fulham 2–1 at home the previous weekend. Forest lost 1–0 to Arsenal after defeats against Crystal Palace and Coventry City. Those results leave the visitors under pressure to convert more of their chances, while Ipswich seek another positive result at Portman Road.

Portman Road hosts the Friday evening encounter before both teams return to league action the following weekend.

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Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil must decide whether to retain the attacking combinations that scored twice against Manchester City. Saša Lukić has been the subject of fitness reporting, but his availability should not be presented as confirmed until the club issues its team sheet. The final starting XI will be known shortly before kick-off.

Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Morgan Gibbs-White is fit after returning to full training. Defender Nikola Milenković is also available to start. Igor Jesus and Nicolò Savona will not be involved, according to the club’s official update. Gibbs-White’s return is important for a side that has struggled to turn chances into goals.

The Premier League reports that Forest had generated 11.2 expected goals but scored only five across their opening seven league games. That six-goal shortfall, together with a low shot-conversion rate, helps explain why their position has not reflected the chances they have created.

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Recent meetings favour Nottingham Forest. Forest were unbeaten in the six encounters before this fixture, winning five and drawing one, according to contemporary match previews. Their most recent visit to Portman Road ended in a 4–2 victory in March 2025. Ipswich have not beaten Forest since December 2017.

Those results provide historical context but do not determine the outcome of a new fixture with different players and managers.

Liam Delap is a central talking point on his return to Portman Road. The Forest forward scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich in 2024/25, and now faces his former side while searching for greater consistency in front of goal. Gibbs-White’s availability gives Forest another creative option behind the attack.

Ipswich have scored 11 goals in seven league matches but conceded 15. Their recent 3–2 defeat to Manchester City demonstrated attacking threat alongside defensive vulnerabilities. The key question is whether Forest can turn their chances into goals without leaving themselves exposed against a home side capable of scoring.

Ipswich’s home performances and Forest’s finishing difficulties give the contest a clear footballing context, but neither points totals nor historical results establish a certain outcome. Readers interested in market types can review the relevant options and settlement rules on SportPesa South Africa, where available to eligible customers.

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For Ipswich Town vs Nottingham Forest live scores, available match statistics, fixtures and updated standings, visit SportPesa Score. Confirmed line-ups should be checked against the clubs’ official announcements before kick-off.

Friday, 23 October 2026, in Premier League Matchweek 8.

21:00 SAST, equivalent to 20:00 BST and 19:00 UTC.

At Portman Road in Ipswich, England.

Yes. Nottingham Forest confirmed that he had returned to full training and was available for selection.

Igor Jesus and Nicolò Savona were ruled out in Forest’s official pre-match update.

Nottingham Forest won 4–2 in March 2025.

SportPesa Score provides current scores, match information and standings where available.

Ipswich Town vs Nottingham Forest offers an important early-season test for both sides. Ipswich will look to build on their productive home performances, while Forest hope Gibbs-White’s return and Delap’s familiarity with Portman Road can help them reverse their losing run. Follow SportPesa Score for match updates, results and standings, and SportPesa Blog for related Premier League coverage.