Nottingham Forest have won only one of their last eight meetings with Brentford, while the Bees are unbeaten in four visits to the City Ground, winning six of their ten visits to the River Trent in the last two decades.
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford preview
After defying all pre-season hopes and expectations last season, how strong will Nottingham Forest be this time round? Following their return to the Premier League in 2022, the Garibaldi Reds finished 16th and 17th, so more of the same was expected. Instead, Nuno Espírito Santo's side found themselves third as late into the season as 21 April. Forest therefore appeared set to secure Champions League qualification, but faded at the end, winning only two of their final eight league fixtures, condemned to seventh place following a final day defeat at the hands of Chelsea.
After Crystal Palace were demoted to the Conference League for breaching UEFA's multi-club ownership rules, Forest will compete in this season's Europa League, with supporters eagerly anticipating the league phase draw on 29 August. Balancing domestic and continental commitments won't be easy, but that obviously isn't an issue just yet, so will Forest make a winning start?
As for Brentford, well it is all change for them this summer, with many fearing their five-year stay in the Premier League could come to an end. Manager Thomas Frank has departed, after nine years at the club, while club captain Christian Nørgaard and top-scorer Bryan Mbeumo have both been sold.
Keith Andrews has been promoted to the role of head coach, having been the club's set-piece coach, and appointing a rookie manager has to be viewed as a risk. The Irishman will oversee a massive transition in West London, which certainly won't be easy and, if the Bees get it wrong, they could well find themselves battling against relegation. Brentford lost each of their first five away games last season, failing to win any of the first nine, and they kick off as underdogs at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 41.
- Nottingham Forest Wins: 14. Draws: 11. Brentford Wins: 16.
Nottingham Forest team news
Dan Ndoye is the most-likely new signing to start, having been signed to replace Anthony Elanga on the right-wing. Meantime, Brazilian duo Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus, who've both joined from Botafogo, may have to wait for their own debuts off the bench.
Nuno Espírito Santo has deployed a 4-4-2 in recent pre-season friendlies, but will surely go with a more solid midfield here, featuring Ibrahim Sangaré alongside Elliot Anderson at the base, both supporting Morgan Gibbs-White, who signed a new contract last month.
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Brentford: (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Murillo, Milenković, Williams; Sangaré, Anderson, Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.
Nottingham Forest player to watch vs Brentford
Chris Wood scored 20 Premier League goals last season; his highest previous tally in a top-flight campaign was 14. The New Zealander has only ever scored twice in 12 meetings with Brentford, facing the Bees for six different clubs, so will he open his account for the campaign here?
Brentford team news
With Nørgaard and Mbeumo gone, it's not ideal that Yoane Wissa won't be involved here, aiming to force through an exit. Instead, Igor Thiago will be leading the line, hoping for a better campaign this time round, having seen just 169 minutes of action during his debut year in West London due to various injuries. The club-record signing is very much the archetypal like a new signing.
Elsewhere, Caoimhín Kelleher will debut in goal, while Antoni Milambo and Jordan Henderson may have to wait for their own debuts from the bench. Lastly, a word for Rico Henry, who has played only 158 minutes since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Newcastle all the way back in September 2023 but, after a strong pre-season, we can only hope he'll enjoy a happier campaign.
Brentford predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest: (4-4-1-1): Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, van den Berg, Henry; Jensen, Yarmolyuk, Fábio Carvalho, Lewis-Potter; Damsgaard, Thiago.
Brentford player to watch vs Nottingham Forest
Fábio Carvalho is another player hoping for better this season, having scored just three goals in 24 appearances during his first season at Brentford, so can he fill Mbeumo's rather large void?
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford prediction
As mentioned earlier, we're forecasting a Forest victory, backing Nuno's team to be strong again this season, while we're forecasting a tough year for Brentford: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Brentford.
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Brentford in the Premier League on TV channel?
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports+
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network 3 Canada
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Brentford in the Premier League on live streaming?
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Nottingham Forest vs Brentford in the Premier League?
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford takes place on Sunday 17 August 2025, with kick off at 14:00 (BST), 9:00 (EDT) & 6:00 (PDT).