Nottingham Forest and Brentford kick off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign at the City Ground, with both sides keen to establish early momentum in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter.
Match Preview
The season opener provides an opportunity for both teams to lay down a marker. Nottingham Forest, who finished last season in a relegation battle, will be desperate to start strong and avoid another year of struggle. The home advantage at the City Ground could play a significant role, especially as they face a Brentford side that has been consistent in recent seasons and often proves a tricky opponent.
Forest endured a difficult pre-season, failing to win in five warm-up matches. Goalless draws against Al Qadasiya, Fiorentina, and Estoril were followed by defeats to Birmingham and Fulham, leaving concerns over their attacking sharpness. Brentford’s pre-season was slightly more encouraging, with a victory over Queens Park Rangers and draws against Borussia Moenchengladbach and Gil Vicente. However, they also ended last season with a draw against Wolves and a defeat to Fulham, underlining the need for improvement.
Team News
Nottingham Forest head into the clash without winger Anthony Elanga, who has departed the club. Midfield creativity will rest on the shoulders of Morgan Gibbs-White, while new signings Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee add youthful energy. Swiss winger Dan Ndoye, hero of the Coppa Italia final, is expected to start in attack alongside either last season’s top scorer Chris Wood or new Brazilian striker Igor Jesus. Midfielder Nicolas Dominguez remains out with a knee injury, but Nuno Espírito Santo otherwise has a fully fit squad.
Brentford, on the other hand, face several selection issues. Vitaly Janelt is sidelined, while Kevin Schade and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will undergo late fitness tests. The Bees have lost Bryan Mbeumo and could soon see Yoane Wissa depart, weakening their forward line. Nonetheless, Igor Thiago returns eager to make an impact after injury, while new forward Dango Ouattara could debut following his record transfer. Jordan Henderson is also set for his first competitive appearance in midfield, replacing the departed Christian Norgaard. Fabio Carvalho is pushing for a starting role after scoring in pre-season, while young Antoni Milambo could feature.
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest XI: Vlachodimos; Williams, Niakhaté, Boly, Aina; Danilo, Sangaré; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Ndoye; Wood.
Brentford XI: Kelleher; Roerslev, Pinnock, Collins, Henry; Henderson, Onyeka, Damsgaard; Carvalho, Ouattara, Thiago.
With both teams eager to prove a point, this opener has the makings of a tightly fought contest.
