Forecast: Brentford versus Nottingham Forest Matchup

Nottingham Forest and Brentford Prepare for Premier League Opener

Nottingham Forest and Brentford are set to square off in the 2025/26 Premier League season opener at the City Ground on August 17, with a 2pm BST kickoff. The match promises to be an intriguing encounter, as Forest, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, boast one of the league's strongest defenses, while Brentford, under new manager Keith Andrews, will aim to find their attacking rhythm after key player departures.

Forest's defensive consistency was evident last season, as they kept 13 clean sheets and maintained a robust defensive record in pre-season. Goalkeeper Matz Sels and captain Nathan Collins have been mainstays in the backline and will be crucial to Forest's success this season. The team tends to play a no-frills defensive game that concedes possession but protects their goal effectively, as reflected in Forest's 3rd lowest possession rate and Sels' high pass completion among goalkeepers last season.

Brentford, on the other hand, have retained quality attackers but face questions about cohesion and offensive penetration under Andrews on his Premier League managerial debut. The team will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kevin Schade, Fabio Carvalho, and Yoane Wissa in attacking midfield, and Igor Thiago leading the line. Jordan Henderson and Vitaly Janelt will be the two holding players in midfield, while Michael Kayode, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg, and Rico Henry will form the four-man defence. Caoimhin Kelleher will be in goal for Brentford.

Nottingham Forest have also been active in the summer transfer window, signing Dan Ndoye, Igor Jesus, and Angus Gunn. The team's camaraderie has grown during pre-season, with captain Yates stating that pre-season has gone really well for the team. Forest ended up as high as seventh in the Premier League last season, and their home records and defensive form make them favourites in this fixture.

Past meetings give a slight psychological edge to Brentford, who won their last trip to Nottingham 2-0. However, the tactical battle is expected to be tight and defensively intense, with Brentford testing Forest's backline. Predictions vary slightly, with some forecasting a narrow 2-1 win for Forest, while others suggest a 1-1 draw given Brentford's attacking quality despite transitions. The odds slightly favour Forest (+114 moneyline), with an expected over 2.5 goals reflecting a potentially open game.

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, as both teams look to start the new season on a positive note. The new season offers a fresh slate for Nottingham Forest, who will aim to build on their strong defensive record and offensive firepower to challenge for a higher position in the Premier League. For Brentford, it's a new era under Andrews, with the challenge of finding their attacking rhythm and replacing key players lost in the off-season.

[1] Nottingham Forest did not win any of their 5 friendly matches in pre-season. [2] Keith Andrews is the new manager of Brentford, making his full-time debut at the club. [3] Yates mentioned that the team has had a positive tour and is ready to start the season. [4] Yates added that the first five to 10 games of the season will be the true test for the team. [5] Nottingham Forest will host Brentford at the City Ground in their 2025/26 Premier League opener, with a 2pm BST kickoff on August 17. [6] Forest, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, have one of the league’s strongest defenses, having kept 13 clean sheets last season and continuing a robust defensive record in preseason. [7] Brentford, now under new manager Keith Andrews after Thomas Frank’s departure, must find ways to break down this resolute backline to succeed. [8] Brentford will also contend with replacing key players lost in the offseason, making their task tougher at the City Ground. [9] Key team news includes Nottingham Forest’s defensive consistency led by goalkeeper Matz Sels and captain Nathan Collins, both mainstays from last year. [10] Forest tend to play a no-frills defensive game that concedes possession but protects their goal effectively, as reflected in Forest’s 3rd lowest possession rate and Sels’ high pass completion among goalkeepers last season. [11] Brentford’s squad retains quality attackers but faces questions about cohesion and offensive penetration under Andrews on his Premier League managerial debut. [12] Key factors for the match will be Forest’s defensive solidity versus Brentford’s ability to maneuver in the final third. [13] Past meetings give a slight psychological edge to Brentford, who won their last trip to Nottingham 2-0. However, Forest’s home records and defensive form make them favourites in this fixture. [14] Predictions vary slightly: Many expect a competitive and close match, with some forecasts indicating a narrow 2-1 win to Nottingham Forest, while others suggest a 1-1 draw given Brentford’s attacking quality despite transitions. [15] The odds slightly favour Forest (+114 moneyline), with an expected over 2.5 goals reflecting a potentially open game. [16] Nottingham Forest have bonded well as a team during pre-season. [17] Thomas Frank, former Brentford manager, is now in charge of Tottenham Hotspur. [18] Brentford are a Premier League club, having established themselves in the top tier. [19] Nuno's side will feature in the UEFA Europa League in the 2025/26 campaign. [20] Brentford are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Nottingham Forest. [21] Kevin Schade, Fabio Carvalho, and Yoane Wissa will be deployed in attacking midfield for Brentford. [22] Igor Thiago will lead the line for Brentford. [23] Jordan Henderson and Vitaly Janelt will be the two holding players in midfield for Brentford. [24] Michael Kayode, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg, and Rico Henry will be the four defenders for Brentford. [25] Caoimhin Kelleher will be in goal for Brentford. [26] The new season starts a fresh slate for Nottingham Forest. [27] Nottingham Forest have been active in the summer transfer window, signing Dan Ndoye, Igor Jesus, and Angus Gunn.