Nottingham Forest take on Brentford at the City Ground this weekend as both clubs begin their new Premier League campaigns aiming to build on last season’s progress. Forest finished seventh in 2024-25, securing a spot in European competition, with a robust defensive record and a side under Nuno Espirito Santo that exceeded pre-season expectations.
Forest’s strength remains in defence, anchored by Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic, with goalkeeper Matz Sels tallying the most clean sheets in the league last season. Forest have lost Anthony Elanga's pace on the break and have replaced him with Swiss forward Dan Ndoye, who represents quite a stylistic shift from the Swede. Whether Forest will look to transition to being a slightly more ball-dominant side this season remains to be seen, but Ndoye certainly does a lot of his best work with the ball at his feet while facing the defence.
Brentford arrive in Nottingham under new management. Keith Andrews takes charge for his first Premier League match after Thomas Frank’s departure for Tottenham. Several key figures have exited, including Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Norgaard, and Mark Flekken, while newcomers such as goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and midfielders Antoni Milambo and Jordan Henderson have joined, strengthening a squad in transition. Nathan Collins is now club captain and is a key defensive presence, while Yoane Wissa and Kevin Schade will be essential in attack for a Brentford side that provoke a feeling of uncertaintly amongst most punters this season.
The Bees have been backed by many to struggle this season, and having lost a 20-goal forward in Mbeumo, their captain, their goalkeeper and their manager, it's easy to see why. Despite losing Anthony Elanga, Forest arguably look stronger on paper this season having also signed Brazilian pair Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus. Given they also claimed nine more points than Brentford last season, we think they'll come out on top here.
Nottingham Forest 2-1 Brentford
