Forecast: Nottingham Forest versus Brentford Matchup
Preview: Nottingham Forest Set to Face Brentford in Premier League Opener
The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off with a promising match between Nottingham Forest and Brentford at the City Ground on August 17, 2025, at 14:00 BST (9:00 EDT). Despite Brentford's strong team performance, the match is predicted to end in a win for Nottingham Forest, albeit a close one.
According to various predictions, the game is likely to be tight, with a tendency toward a draw or a narrow win for either team. Forebet models a 2-1 win for Brentford, while Sportskeeda suggests a 1-1 draw. Fox Sports tips a 2-1 win for Nottingham Forest, and WinDrawWin predicts a Nottingham Forest home win, though with moderate confidence.
Nottingham Forest have struggled at home, losing 75% of their last four home matches in the Premier League, and have historically found it difficult to win their opening league games in several seasons. On the other hand, Brentford has been strong away, unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 Premier League away matches, scoring in each of the last 10 away fixtures.
Brentford's edge in head-to-head history is evident, with 6 wins, 2 draws, and only 1 loss in the last 8 league meetings against Forest, and they remain unbeaten in their last four trips to Forest’s City Ground. Nottingham Forest scored 58 goals last season, while Brentford scored 1.7 goals per game last season but also conceded 57 goals.
Key odds favor a balanced market, with Nottingham Forest slightly favored on moneyline (+114), Brentford at +255, and a total goals line of 2.5. Most predictions suggest under 2.5 goals, but Fox Sports favors over 2.5 goals.
Brentford's attacking midfielders, Kevin Schade, Fabio Carvalho, and Yoane Wissa, will be up against Nottingham Forest's defense consisting of Michael Kayode, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg, and Rico Henry. Igor Thiago will lead the line for Brentford, while the new signings Dan Ndoye, Igor Jesus, and Angus Gunn are expected to bolster Nottingham Forest's attack.
Forest captain Yates has expressed optimism about the team's performance, stating that pre-season has gone well, and the new season is a fresh slate for the team. Yates also believes the first five to 10 games of the season will be the true test.
Nottingham Forest ended up seventh in the Premier League last season, and they will participate in the UEFA Europa League in the 2025/26 campaign. Brentford, managed by Keith Andrews, will be aiming to make a strong start to their season after an impressive pre-season, despite not winning any of their 5 friendly matches and scoring only 1 goal.
The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports+ for UK viewers, Peacock for USA viewers, and Fubo Sports Network 3 for Canadian viewers. Forest captain Yates mentioned that the team has bonded well and gotten to know the new players, setting the stage for an exciting encounter between the two teams.
- The upcoming European-leagues season will see Nottingham Forest's Premier League opener against Brentford, with sports analysts predicting a close game between the two teams.
- Despite their strong performance last season, Nottingham Forest's home record and Brentford's impressive away form leave the match open to either team, with various predictions suggesting a tight contest.
