NOTTINGHAM, England (Interstat) — A crucial Europa League group stage match awaits at The City Ground on Thursday as Nottingham Forest FC hosts Swedish side Malmo FF.

The matchup presents a stark contrast in recent form. Nottingham Forest enters the contest following a 0-0 draw with SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz on Nov. 6. Their previous European outings have been a mixed bag, including a 2-0 victory over FC Porto on Oct. 23 but a 3-2 home loss to Midtjylland W on Oct. 2.

Malmo FF, meanwhile, carries momentum from a 3-1 domestic victory over Vittsjo GIK on Nov. 16. Their European campaign, however, has been inconsistent. They earned a 1-1 draw with GNK Dinamo Zagreb on Oct. 23 but suffered a 3-0 loss to Viktoria Plzen and a 2-1 defeat to Ludogorets in their two prior continental fixtures.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Malmo is projected to secure a 2-1 away victory. The result could be pivotal for both sides as they navigate a tight group.

Following this match, Nottingham Forest will travel to face FC Utrecht on Dec. 11. Malmo FF’s next European test is a Dec. 11 away fixture against FC Porto.