The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off this weekend, as Nottingham Forest host Brentford in what promises to be a tactically intriguing opener. Both sides are coming off contrasting fortunes last term, with Forest narrowly missing out on a Champions League spot and Brentford enjoying a solid mid-table campaign. With new faces, key absences, and tactical adjustments on both sides, this match will test each team’s readiness for the season ahead.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s Forest were the surprise package of the 2024/25 season, finishing sixth with a robust defensive unit that conceded just 39 goals, the third-best record in the Premier League. Goalkeeper Matz Sels was pivotal, securing 13 clean sheets, while centre-backs Murillo and Nikola Milenković formed a formidable partnership, averaging 32.1 clearances per game. Their no-nonsense, counter-attacking style, coupled with a league-leading 17 goals from set-pieces, made them a tough nut to crack.
Under new head coach Keith Andrews, making his Premier League managerial debut, Brentford aim to build on their 10th-placed finish last season. The Bees have been a model of consistency, losing just 14 of their 38 matches and remaining unbeaten in 10 of their last 12 away games. Their attacking prowess was evident, with 56 goals scored, though the departure of Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Nørgaard has forced a squad reshuffle. New signings like Jordan Henderson, Antoni Milambo, and goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher add quality, but cohesion will be key.
🚨🐝 Official, confirmed. Jordan Henderson signs in as new Brentford player on two year contract.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2025
Back to Premier League. 🔴⚪️🔙 pic.twitter.com/y0yfOrBQHs
Team News
Nottingham Forest
- Nicolas Dominguez out after knee surgery during the summer.
- Summer signing Dan Ndoye could start in place of the Anthony Elanga who left to join Newcast;e.
- Morgan Gibbs-should start after committing his future to Nottingham Forest.
Brentford
- Ethan Pinnock faces a late fitness test.
- Kevin Schade is a doubt due to a minor knock sustained in pre-season.
- Vitaly Janelt is out after heel surgery at the end of last season.
Predicted Lineups
Forest:
Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Sangare, Anderson. Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Wood.
Brentford:
Kelleher, Kayode, Collins, Van Den Berg, Henry, Henderson, Yarmolyuk, Carvalho, Damsgaard, Lewis-Potter, Thiago.
