Match Preview: Ipswich Town V Nottingham Forest

Ipswich Town host Nottingham Forest on Sunday 14th September 2025 at Colchester Community Stadium.

📸via nffcwomen [IG]

Overview

Ipswich Town face Nottingham Forest at the Colchester Community Stadium, a key test as both sides push to define their seasons. Ipswich are searching for consistency, while Forest aim to build momentum under new management, setting up a clash with plenty at stake.

From the Press Conference

What were your main takeaways from Matchday 1 at Southampton? - Joe Sheehan

"It was good to kind of play the first game to get a good feel of the atmosphere, the environment, the level of the players and yeah, it was a bit of an important check of where we're at and what we need to improve on. We know that we have to perform really really well all game, week in, week out to give ourselves a chance of winning games. I think we had seven playing their first gap minutes at the level and it started so they will only be better for the experience. We know we will continue to grow as a team over the course of the season. Margin for error is really small and you've also got to be really strong at set plays."

Obviously it's been a couple of months now since you've been back. How nice is it to be back? - Paige Peake

"Great, I mean the place has changed quite a lot as a whole, a lot of upgrades, it's been really nice, I feel like I've settled back in pretty quickly."

But plenty of good takeaways, we talked a little bit about mistakes being punished but one of the things you did was threw it all down at half-time, another team could have caved in at that moment but you didn't do that? - Paige Peake

"Obviously we conceded quite early on in the second half as well so to then, I know, well I think we probably finished the game, the stronger of the two teams so in that aspect, it's a very positive sort of show of our character that we've got that resilience in us which will be important in other games I'm sure."

Form Guide

Ipswich Town have been very solid lately, winning 4 of their last 5 games. Their attacking output has been strong (notably in those big wins), and while they had a slip-up in the one loss, the overall momentum is very positive.

Forest have also shown good form, mostly winning comfortably, thought with a couple more challenging matches (one draw, one loss). Defensive solidity seems decent most games, but in tougher fixtures they've conceded more or dropped points.

Key Players to Watch

Natasha Thomas - she's Ipswich's all-time record appearance maker and leading goal-scorer. Her experience, plus knack for scoring in big games, makes her a constant threat up front and someone Ipswich will rely on.

Chloe Mustaki - A recent signing, she brings international experience with Ireland, composure in defence/midfield, and leadership on the ball. She could be key in helping Forest stay solid at the back and latch attacks from deeper positions.

Prediction/Talking Point

Ipswich Women come in with strong attacking form, often overwhelming teams through pace and the goals of Natasha Thomas. Forest, boosted by Deanne Rose's speed up front, are more counter-attacking and could threaten in transition. It's a clash between Ipswich's possession and attacking flow versus Forest's ability to disrupt and strike quickly, likely to be decided by fine margins. This one looks set to be close.