Match Pack: Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. ET
Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
Broadcast: TBD, Peacock (US)

Nottingham Forest host Brentford at the City Ground on August 16, 2025, in a Premier League Matchweek 1 clash that pits two mid-table hopefuls against each other in a battle for early-season momentum. Forest, under Nuno Espírito Santo, solidified their Premier League status in 2024–25, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi driving their attack. Brentford, led by Thomas Frank, continue to defy expectations with their set-piece prowess and the clinical finishing of Ivan Toney. This matchup contrasts Forest’s high-energy, counterattacking style with Brentford’s disciplined, direct approach, set against the passionate backdrop of the City Ground’s 30,445 fans. Both teams, aiming for a top-10 finish in the 2025–26 season, will look to impose their game plan in this tightly contested encounter.

Insights

• Forest posted a 9–5–5 home record in 2024–25, scoring 1.6 goals per game at the City Ground, with the Trent End’s atmosphere boosting their intensity.
• Brentford won 6 away games in 2024–25, averaging 1.4 goals per game, but struggled against high-pressing teams, losing three of five such matches.
• Forest’s 4-2-3-1 under Espírito Santo emphasizes quick transitions and wing play, while Brentford’s 4-3-3 relies on set-piece strength and direct attacks.
• Morgan Gibbs-White (8 goals, 9 assists in 2024–25) versus Brentford’s Nathan Collins (2.2 tackles per game) will be key, with Gibbs-White’s creativity testing Collins’ positioning.
• Brentford lead the series 5–3–2 since 2014, but Forest’s 2–1 home win in 2024–25, with Gibbs-White scoring, gives them confidence.
• Forest aim for a top-12 finish, while Brentford target a third consecutive top-10 season, making early points crucial.
• Forest’s Chris Wood is fit after a minor injury, while Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is questionable with a calf strain, potentially impacting their attack.
• The City Ground’s raucous crowd, led by the Trent End, contrasts with Brentford’s vocal away supporters, creating a lively atmosphere.

Match Forecasts

• Morgan Gibbs-White is likely to score or assist, exploiting Brentford’s high line with his vision and dribbling, as seen in his 2024–25 form.
• Ivan Toney (12 goals in 2024–25) could capitalize on Forest’s aggressive pressing, finding space on the counter with support from Bryan Mbeumo.
• Forest’s Danilo (86% passing accuracy) must outmaneuver Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard and Mathias Jensen, who averaged 2.1 tackles per game.
• Brentford converted 16% of corners into shots in 2024–25, with Ethan Pinnock a aerial threat; Forest’s Nikola Milenković is equally dangerous.
• Forest’s Anthony Elanga could provide a late spark off the bench, while Brentford’s Kevin Schade offers pace to exploit tired defenses.
• Forest’s backline allowed 1.3 goals per home game in 2024–25, vulnerable to Brentford’s set-piece prowess and Toney’s finishing.
• Three of the last five Forest-Brentford matches featured goals after the 80th minute, suggesting potential late drama.

Match Facts

• Brentford lead the series 5–3–2 since 2014, with 28 goals scored in those matches (2.8 goals per game average).
• City Ground, with a 30,445 capacity, is expected to sell out, with Forest’s supporters creating a hostile environment.
• The referee is TBD, but 2025–26’s semi-automated offside technology ensures quicker and clearer decisions.
• Streamed on Peacock (US) with English and Spanish commentary; local radio includes BBC Radio Nottingham and BBC London.
• Nottingham on August 16, 2025, expects 66°F with a 15% chance of rain, offering ideal conditions for a fast-paced match.
• A Forest win would mark their 50th Premier League home victory since 1998; Brentford aim for their 25th road point since 2021.
• Morgan Gibbs-White is two assists shy of 20 for Forest; Ivan Toney could reach 30 Premier League goals with a strike.