Nottingham Forest welcome Brentford to the City Ground on August 17 in what promises to be a lively start to the new season for both clubs.
Forest, who finished seventh and secured a return to European football in 2024/25, have been active in shaping their squad for the challenges ahead. They brought in striker Igor Jesus and centre-back Jair Cunha and are reportedly pushing to sign Manchester City midfielder James McAtee and pursuing American talent Yunus Musah.
The mood around the club lifted further when Morgan Gibbs-White committed his future by signing a new deal, despite strong interest from Tottenham, keeping him at the heart of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans.
With Anthony Elanga joining Newcastle United and both Danilo and Matt Turner moving on, space has opened for new arrivals to influence Forest’s style and approach.
Brentford, under new management, have also been busy in the transfer market while facing uncertainty over key forwards.
Bryan Mbeumo has already made a move to Manchester United, and Yoane Wissa remains the subject of interest from Newcastle and Forest.
To strengthen their hand, Brentford added goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, midfielder Jordan Henderson, promising wingers Romelle Donovan and Antoni Milambo, and full-back Michael Kayode.
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Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford lineups: Starting XI, team news, injury latest
Nottingham Forest will be without Nicolas Dominguez until the autumn after the midfielder underwent knee surgery over the summer.
Other than that, the first team is largely injury-free for their Premier League opener.
New signing Dan Ndoye starts on the right, replacing Elanga, while Chris Wood leads the attack despite a low-scoring preseason in which Forest managed just one goal in seven games.
The new signing from Botafogo, Igor Jesus — who has partnered Wood in some friendlies — is on the bench.
Nottingham Forest starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sels (GK) — Aina, Milenkovic, Murilo, Williams — Sangare, Anderson — Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi — Wood
Nottingham Forest subs: Morato, Awoniyi, Gunn, Igor Jesus, Jota, Yates, Jair Cunha, Boly, Abbott
Injured: Dominguez (knee)
Suspended: None
Brentford are without Vitaly Janelt and Gustavo Nunes, both sidelined until mid-September with ankle and thigh injuries respectively.
Kevin Schade, Ethan Pinnock and Kelleher were being assessed ahead of the opener. Goalkeeper Kelleher starts, with Schade on the bench, but Pinnock is not in the squad. Keane Lewis-Potter is on the right flank.
Wissa has not featured in preseason amid speculation over a transfer, and Keith Andrews said he would include the forward in the squad for this game. New signing Antoni Milambo starts.
Brentford predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Kelleher (GK) — Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Henry — Jensen, Yarmoliuk — Lewis-Potter, Milambo, Carvalho — Thiago
Brentford subs: Hickey, Henderson, Schade, Valdimarsson, Onyeka, Ajer, Peart-Harris, Roerslev, Arthur
Injured: Janelt (ankle), Nunes (thigh) , Schade (knock, doubt), Pinnock (other, doubt), Kelleher (other, doubt)
Suspended: None
Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford match details
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Kickoff time: 2 p.m. local time / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT
- Location: City Ground, Nottingham (England)
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Peter Bankes
- VAR: Andy Madley
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