Nottingham Forest host Brentford at the City Ground on Thursday night in a high-stakes Premier League clash that both sides can’t afford to let slip.
With the race for European spots heating up, this rearranged fixture is more than just a game in hand, it’s a lifeline for the hosts.
Forest are back in league action just four days after their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley, where they fell 2-0.
Josko Gvardiol’s second-half header capped off a tough outing for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, who had already gone behind inside two minutes. Despite hitting the post three times and watching Anthony Elanga waste a massive chance after the break, Forest couldn’t flip the script.
Brentford, meanwhile, snapped a nine-game winless run at home last time out, beating Brighton 4-2 at the Gtech. That result didn’t just lift the mood—it kept their European hopes alive. Both clubs come into this one knowing the stakes. There’s no margin left for error.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Premier League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: USA Network
Live stream: Fubo
This game is available for live TV broadcast on USA Network in the US. Streaming options are available on Fubo, which is offering a FREE trial for new subscribers.
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What time does Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford kick off?
This Premier League clash takes place at the The City Ground in Nottingham, United Kingdom and kicks off on Thursday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Thu, May 1 | 2:30 p.m. |
| Central Time | Thu, May 1 | 1:30 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Thu, May 1 | 12:30 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Thu, May 1 | 11:30 a.m. |
Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford predicted lineups, team news
Neco Williams and Ryan Yates are back in the mix after serving suspensions during Forest’s FA Cup loss to Manchester City. That likely means teenager Zach Abbott will make way.
Jota Silva returned from a brief setback to feature as a late sub at Wembley, but the winger is expected to remain on the bench, with Anthony Elanga in line to reclaim a starting spot after his surprise omission against City.
Ola Aina is still the only first-team player sidelined, though the Nigerian full-back is nearing a return from a calf issue. In the meantime, Harry Toffolo has stepped up well at left-back, keeping that side of the pitch steady.
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sels (GK) — Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, Toffolo — Dominguez, Anderson — Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi — Wood.
Injured: Elanga, Silva, Aina.
Suspended: None.
Brentford are closing in on the returns of Igor Thiago and Aaron Hickey, with Thomas Frank confident both will feature again before the end of the season.
There’s less good news on Fabio Carvalho and Josh Dasilva, who remain sidelined with no clear return date. Yunus Emre Konak has now joined them in the treatment room after being forced off late against Brighton, despite only coming on in the 87th minute.
Rico Henry got half-hour under his belt in the 4-2 win over the Seagulls as he continues his recovery, but Frank is expected to ease him back in slowly. For now, Keane Lewis-Potter is holding down the left-back role well and should keep his place.
Brentford predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Flekken (GK) — Ajer, Collins, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter — Norgaard, Yarmolyuk, Damsgaard — Mbeumo, Wissa, Schade.
Injured: Carvalho, Dasilva, Emre Konak, Henry.
Suspended: None.
Premier League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Thursday, May 1
- Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford (2:30 p.m.)
Friday, April 12
- Man City vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (3:00 p.m.)
Saturday, May 3
- Aston Villa vs. Fulham (7:30 a.m.)
- Everton vs. Ipswich Town (10:00 a.m.)
- Leicester City vs. Southampton (10:00 a.m.)
- Arsenal vs. Bournemouth (12:30 p.m.)
Sunday, May 4
- Brentford vs. Man United (9:00 a.m.)
- Brighton vs. Newcastle United (9:00 a.m.)
- West Ham United vs. Tottenham Hotspur (9:00 a.m.)
- Chelsea vs. Liverpool (11:30 a.m.)
Monday, May 5
- Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest (3:00 p.m.)
