Nottingham Forest and Brentford meet at the City Ground on Sunday as both clubs look to build on impressive top-half finishes last season.
Forest secured a Europa League berth in controversial fashion after finishing seventh, while Brentford ended the campaign in 10th, narrowly missing out on European football themselves. After an unsettled preseason for both, the pair now return to Premier League action with plenty at stake.
For Forest, this campaign marks another step in their steady resurgence under Nuno Espírito Santo. The Tricky Trees struggled at home late last season, taking just one point from their final four games at the City Ground, and the manager is keen to restore its fortress-like atmosphere. Despite a winless preseason, Nuno remains unbeaten in five Premier League openers across his career and will look to extend that run.
Brentford, meanwhile, enter a new era following the departure of long-serving head coach Thomas Frank. Keith Andrews takes charge of his first league match, with the Bees hoping to maintain their strong recent record at the City Ground — just two defeats in their last 10 league visits. Having already lost captain Christian Norgaard and key forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, the challenge ahead is considerable.
Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injuries
Nottingham Forest team news
Morgan Gibbs-White remains the focal point in midfield despite Anthony Elanga’s departure, while reinforcements have arrived in the form of Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich and James McAtee from Manchester City. Swiss international Dan Ndoye is set to make his debut, supporting Chris Wood or new signing Igor Jesus up front.
The only confirmed absentee is Nicolás Domínguez, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
Forest predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sels (GK) — Williams, Murillo, Milenkovic, Cunha — Yates, Anderson — Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi — Wood
Injured: Domínguez (knee)
Suspended: None
Brentford team news
Vitaly Janelt is unavailable, while Kevin Schade and new goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher are doubtful. With Yoane Wissa pushing for a move and Bryan Mbeumo departed, attacking responsibilities will fall to Igor Thiago, who returns from injury, supported by Fabio Carvalho and Keane Lewis-Potter.
Jordan Henderson is in line to make his debut in midfield, with 20-year-old Antoni Milambo also in contention for minutes. New record signing Dango Ouattara has joined from Bournemouth but may not be ready to start.
Brentford predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Kelleher (GK) — Henry, Van den Berg, Collins, Kayode — Henderson, Jensen — Lewis-Potter, Damsgaard, Carvalho — Thiago
Injured: Janelt (knock), Schade (fitness)
Suspended: None
Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford match details
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Kickoff time: 4:30 p.m. local (BST) / 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
- Location: City Ground, Nottingham
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: To be confirmed
- VAR: To be confirmed