Nottingham Forest are preparing to feature in European competition for the first time since 1995/96, so will Nuno Espírito Santo's side be able to balance domestic and continental commitments?
What are Nottingham Forest's confirmed transfers?
Nottingham Forest's arrivals
- Dan Ndoye: Bologna - £35 million.
- Igor Jesus: Botafogo - £10 million.
- Jair Cunha: Botafogo - £10.3 million.
- Angus Gunn: Norwich City - free transfer.
Nottingham Forest's departures
- Anthony Elanga: Newcastle United - £55 million.
- Danilo: Botafogo - £21.7 million.
- Ramón Sosa: Palmeiras - £10 million.
- Andrew Omobamidele: Strasbourg - £6.9 million.
- Lewis O'Brien: Wrexham - £5 million.
- Matt Turner: Olympique Lyonnais - £6.75 million.
- Wayne Hennessey: retired.
- Harry Toffolo: Charlotte FC - free transfer.
- Tyler Bindon: Sheffield United - loan.
Pleased note: all information is correct as of the date of publication.
What happened at Nottingham Forest last season?
Having finished 16th and 17th in their first two seasons back in the Premier League, most anticipated another relegation battle for Nottingham Forest, so fair to say they exceeded all expectations. Nuno Espírito Santo's side sat third as last as 21 April but, after winning only two of their final eight fixtures, were forced to settle for seventh, following a final day home defeat at the hands of Chelsea.
Nevertheless, this does mean the two-time European champions will compete in continental competitions for the first time since 1995/96, dumped out of the UEFA Cup quarter-finals by none other than Bayern Munich almost three decades ago. This time round, fair to say, that first European night at the City Ground for almost three decades will be some occasion.
How will Nottingham Forest do this season?
First and foremost, worth noting that it was confirmed on Monday morning that Nottingham Forest will compete in the Europa League, after Crystal Palace's appeal against their demotion to the Confernece League proved unsuccessful at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The other big news to come out of the City Ground this summer is the fact that talisman Morgan Gibbs-White is staying, opting to sign a new contract after Tottenham had activated his £60 million release clause. Anthony Elanga though, who scored six Premier League goals last season, has gone to Newcastle, but has been replaced by Dan Ndoye, arriving from Bologna. Meantime, there is also excitement about Brazilian duo Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus, both joining from Botafogo; the latter scored against both Paris Saint-Germain and Seattle Sounders during June's Club World Cup.
Nuno Espírito Santo's side, as already outlined, exceeded all expectations last season, but played just one game a week for the vast majority of the campaign, so may find the extra work load a challenge. With Aston Villa, Roma, Lille, Lyon and Porto the other big-hitters currently in the Europa League, there's no reason why Nottingham Forest cannot make a deep run, but this may impact their league form, so we're expecting them to slide down the table a fair bit.
What is our predicted Premier League finish for Nottingham Forest?
- Our predicted finish for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this season: 13th.
What are Nottingham Forest's first 6 Premier League fixtures?
- Brentford (H). Sunday 17 August. Kick off 14:00 (BST).
- Crystal Palace (A). Sunday 24 August. Kick off 14:00 (BST).
- West Ham United (H). Sunday 31 August. Kick off 14:00 (BST).
- Arsenal (A). Saturday 13 September. Kick off 12:30 (BST).
- Burnley (A). Saturday 20 September. Kick off 15:00 (BST).
- Sunderland (H). Saturday 27 September. Kick off 17:30 (BST).
What are some other key dates for Nottingham Forest supporters?
- 27 August: Carabao Cup third round draw - taking place around 22:30 (BST).
- 29 August: UEFA Europa League league phase draw - taking place at 12:00 (BST).
- 1 September: The transfer window closes at 19:00 (BST).