Nottingham Forest launch their 2026/27 Premier League campaign at home against Leeds United on 22 August 2026, with kickoff at 14:00 GMT. The Trentside crowd will be eager to see Forest aim for early points after a mixed pre‑season.
What does the pre‑season tell us?
Forest arrived from a European tour, beating Bayer Leverkusen 2‑1 and Stade Brestois 2‑0 in August. Their five‑match run produced two wins and three losses, scoring five goals while conceding eight. Leeds, meanwhile, impressed with a 4‑2 win over Liverpool and a 4‑0 demolition of Augsburg, suggesting a potent attack ready for the opener.
Who is missing?
Oliver Glasner’s side will be without Nicolo Savona, listed as injured, but no suspensions have been reported. Leeds manager Daniel Farke also faces absences: goalkeeper Lucas Perri and winger Gabriel Gudmundsson are sidelined with injuries. Both clubs have yet to release a probable XI, so final line‑ups remain uncertain.
How does recent form shape expectations?
Forest’s recent form shows a 0W‑3D‑2L run (DDLLD, most recent first), with their last result a 1‑1 draw against Bournemouth on 24 May 2026. The club finished the 2025 season in 16th place with 44 points, recording 11 wins, 11 draws and 16 losses, and a goal difference of –3 (48 scored, 51 conceded). Leeds’ strong pre‑season suggests they could challenge Forest’s early ambitions.
What’s at stake beyond the league?
The two sides will meet again just three days later in the EFL Cup second round at the City Ground, turning this opening fixture into a potential mini‑derby. A positive result could boost Forest’s confidence and help them climb from a 16th‑place finish last season, while a setback may deepen concerns about their defensive frailties.
What to watch on match day?
Key battles include Forest’s back line versus Leeds’ attacking trio, and whether Glasner can tighten a defense that has let in 51 goals this season. Keep an eye on the midfield transition, as both managers will likely experiment with formations to find the right balance for the long campaign ahead.
